Residential Altitude Training for High Performance Sport

In recognition of the increasing use of altitude training camps abroad by high performance sport, the Institute seeks to offer residential altitude acclimation and training support to high performance sport within Ireland. Following consultation with the NGBs, athletes and coaches, the projected requirements for residential altitude training is for:

a.      Residential pre-acclimation to competition at altitude;

b.      Residential altitude acclimation as part of the training stimulus to effect a change in blood oxygen carrying capacity;

c.      Intermittent high altitude training.

Residential facilities should be capable of offering supervised altitude accommodation for 12-16h per day for a period of 2-4 weeks at a simulated altitude of 1700 to 2500m.

In addition, the Institute seeks to build both capacity and expertise in altitude acclimation and altitude training for high performance sport. Partnership with the Institute in the educational and professional development of the most effective altitude training programme and, where possible, to provide R&D support to altitude training and in the validation of biomarkers capable of informing that response would be welcome.

The Institute would therefore welcome proposals to address the issues identified above. All such proposals should be addressed to Caroline MacManus (cmacmanus@instituteofsport.ie). The deadline for proposals is 20th December 2011.