A pilot study of the comparison using a standard and individual altitude exposure protocol in elite gymnasts

Aim Evaluate the effectiveness of the use of altitude training in elite gymnasts and compare two approaches of the altitude exposure protocols. Materials and methods The study involved 6 athletes of high qualification specializing in gymnastics (22 (20.5-22.5 years, 166.5 (162.5-169) cm, 63.5 (60-65 kg)). Athletes underwent hypoxic exposure using “Live high - train low” method using standard (18 days) and individual protocol (18 days). The biochemical parameters of blood, total hemoglobin mass, blood volume, hypoxic index, and oxygen saturation of arterial blood were determined. Results The tHb-mass values before the standard protocol were 678.5 (664-712.5) g, immediately after 696 (679-752.7) g. Before the start of the individual protocol, the tHb-mass values were 687 (622.7-752) g, immediately after 751.5 (750.2-827) g, (p < 0.05). The tHb-mass shifts after exposure to the unified protocol were 24 (4.8-31) g, and after personified 73.5 (55.5-132.7) g, (p < 0.05). At the same time, ALT, AST, and CPK values did not differ from the baseline, and testosterone values increased after a personalized hypoxic exposure program. Conclusions The application of personalized protocol of additional hypoxic impact seems to be more effective than standard protocol in terms of change of hematological parameters. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.