The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a simulated altitude training on blood components and aerobic and anaerobic performance in elite speed skaters. Six elite speed skaters participate in this study and performed before (day 1; pre-test) and after (day 26; post-test) a two weeks simulated altitude (2.500 m) training period an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determinate maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max.) and a Wingate test to determine peak (PP) and mean (MP) power. In addition, blood samples were obtained at day 1, day 15 and day 26. Erythrocytes and hemoglobin concentrations increased respectively from 3.4 and 6.1% (p<.05) between preand post-test. An increase in VO2max of 16.7% (p<.05) between pre- and post-test was found while PP and MP did not change. This study shows that two weeks simulated altitude training significantly increases erythrocytes and hemoglobin concentrations, and that these haematological changes might be responsible for the rise in VO2max.
