Altitude TrainingNCT07718009
Effects of Alternating Altitude Training Versus Fixed-Altitude Training on Exercise Capacity and Physiological Adaptations in Elite Race Walkers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
A study testing Alternating Altitude Training and Fixed-Altitude Training in people with Altitude Training and Race Walking, run by Macao Polytechnic University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of alternating altitude training and fixed-altitude training on physical performance and physiological adaptations in elite race walkers living at altitude. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 26 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Altitude Training, Race Walking
- What is being tested?
- Alternating Altitude Training and Fixed-Altitude Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 16 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 20 Jul 2026to 5 Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 26 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male and female elite race walkers aged 16-26 years. Registered athletes from the Yunnan Provincial Race Walking Team. Long-term residents of high-altitude regions with regular altitude training experience.
- Healthy and medically cleared to participate in high-intensity training and hypoxic exposure.
- Able to complete the prescribed training program and all outcome assessments. Provided written informed consent before enrollment. For participants younger than 18 years, written informed consent will also be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
Who cannot join
- Any cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neurological, or other medical condition contraindicating exercise or hypoxic exposure.
- Musculoskeletal injury or illness affecting normal training or performance within the previous three months.
- Current use of medications or supplements that may substantially influence physiological adaptation or exercise performance.
- Failure to complete the intervention or outcome assessments according to the study protocol.
- Withdrawal of informed consent at any time during the study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
China1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Macao Polytechnic University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, Macao, China
Macao
Chaoran Han, +853 8591 2000, hanchaoran1999@outlook.com
About this study
Official title: Effects of Alternating Altitude Training Versus Fixed-Altitude Training on Physical Performance and Physiological Adaptations in Elite Race Walkers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of alternating altitude training and fixed-altitude training on physical performance and physiological adaptations in elite race walkers living at altitude. Elite race walkers from Yunnan Province will be randomly assigned to either an alternating altitude training group or a fixed-altitude training group. The alternating altitude training group will perform selected training sessions under simulated higher-altitude conditions while completing the remaining sessions at their regular altitude training base. The fixed-altitude training group will complete all training sessions at the regular altitude. Physical performance, race walking performance, cardiovascular function, pulmonary function, and hematological parameters will be assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate the effectiveness of the two altitude training strategies.
- Conditions
- Altitude Training, Race Walking
- Being tested
- Alternating Altitude Training, Fixed-Altitude Training
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Alternating Altitude TrainingBehavioural
Participants complete the prescribed training program using an alternating altitude strategy, combining regular altitude training with selected sessions performed under simulated higher-altitude conditions.
Fixed-Altitude TrainingBehavioural
Participants complete the prescribed training program exclusively at the regular altitude training base.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Alternating Altitude Training | Experimental | Participants perform the prescribed training program using an alternating altitude strategy, with selected training sessions conducted under simulated higher-altitude conditions and the remaining sessions completed at the regular altitude training base. Receives: Behavioral: Alternating Altitude Training |
| Fixed-Altitude Training | Active comparator | Participants perform the same prescribed training program entirely at the regular altitude training base throughout the intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Fixed-Altitude Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Body Weight
Body weight measured before and after the training period.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Body Fat Percentage
Body fat percentage measured using bioelectrical impedance or other validated method.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Forced vital capacity measured using spirometry before and after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Maximal Voluntary Ventilation
MVV measured using standard pulmonary function testing protocol pre- and post-intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Left Ventricular Volume
Echocardiography measurement of left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Ejection Fraction
Echocardiography assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction pre- and post-training.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Myocardial Thickness
Measurement of interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall thickness by echocardiography.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Maximal Oxygen Uptake
Pre- and post-intervention measurement of VO₂max using standard exercise testing protocol to assess aerobic capacity
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Countermovement Jump Height
Countermovement jump (CMJ) height measured using a validated force platform or jump assessment system to evaluate lower-limb explosive power before and after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Squat Jump Height
Squat jump (SJ) height measured using a validated force platform or jump assessment system to assess concentric lower-limb explosive strength before and after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Peak Force
Peak force during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) measured using a force platform to assess maximal isometric lower-limb strength before and after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Rate of Force Development
Rate of force development (RFD) during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) measured using a force platform before and after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
Reactive Strength Index (RSI) calculated from repeated ankle hops using a force platform or validated jump assessment system to assess lower-limb reactive strength before and after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Secondary outcomes (4)
Red Blood Cell Count
RBC count measured from venous blood samples pre- and post-intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin concentration measured from venous blood samples.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Hematocrit
Hemoglobin concentration measured from venous blood samples.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Erythropoietin
Plasma EPO concentration measured from venous blood samples.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Jul 2026
- Study start20 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion5 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion5 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Altitude TrainingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Macao Polytechnic University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Chaoran Han, Macao Polytechnic University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07718009
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AAT-RW-2026-01
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 21 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Alternating Altitude Training Versus Fixed-Altitude Training on Physical Performance and Physiological Adaptations in Elite Race Walkers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07718009
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AAT-RW-2026-01
- Conditions
- Altitude Training, Race Walking
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Macao Polytechnic UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 5 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 5 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 21 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of alternating altitude training and fixed-altitude training on physical performance and physiological adaptations in elite race walkers living at altitude. Elite race walkers from Yunnan Province will be randomly assigned to either an alternating altitude training group or a fixed-altitude training group. The alternating altitude training group will perform selected training sessions under simulated higher-altitude conditions while completing the remaining sessions at their regular altitude training base. The fixed-altitude training group will complete all training sessions at the regular altitude. Physical performance, race walking performance, cardiovascular function, pulmonary function, and hematological parameters will be assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate the effectiveness of the two altitude training strategies.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Alternating Altitude Training | Experimental | Behavioral: Alternating Altitude TrainingParticipants perform the prescribed training program using an alternating altitude strategy, with selected training sessions conducted under simulated higher-altitude conditions and the remaining sessions completed at the regular altitude training base. |
| Fixed-Altitude Training | Active comparator | Behavioral: Fixed-Altitude TrainingParticipants perform the same prescribed training program entirely at the regular altitude training base throughout the intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 26 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Male and female elite race walkers aged 16-26 years. Registered athletes from the Yunnan Provincial Race Walking Team. Long-term residents of high-altitude regions with regular altitude training experience.
- Healthy and medically cleared to participate in high-intensity training and hypoxic exposure.
- Able to complete the prescribed training program and all outcome assessments. Provided written informed consent before enrollment. For participants younger than 18 years, written informed consent will also be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Any cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neurological, or other medical condition contraindicating exercise or hypoxic exposure.
- Musculoskeletal injury or illness affecting normal training or performance within the previous three months.
- Current use of medications or supplements that may substantially influence physiological adaptation or exercise performance.
- Failure to complete the intervention or outcome assessments according to the study protocol.
- Withdrawal of informed consent at any time during the study.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Alternating Altitude TrainingParticipants complete the prescribed training program using an alternating altitude strategy, combining regular altitude training with selected sessions performed under simulated higher-altitude conditions. | Behavioural | Alternating Altitude Training |
| Fixed-Altitude TrainingParticipants complete the prescribed training program exclusively at the regular altitude training base. | Behavioural | Fixed-Altitude Training |
Primary outcome
Body Weight
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Body weight measured before and after the training period.
Body Fat Percentage
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Body fat percentage measured using bioelectrical impedance or other validated method.
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Forced vital capacity measured using spirometry before and after the intervention.
Maximal Voluntary Ventilation
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
MVV measured using standard pulmonary function testing protocol pre- and post-intervention.
Left Ventricular Volume
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Echocardiography measurement of left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume.
Ejection Fraction
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Echocardiography assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction pre- and post-training.
Myocardial Thickness
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Measurement of interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall thickness by echocardiography.
Maximal Oxygen Uptake
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Pre- and post-intervention measurement of VO₂max using standard exercise testing protocol to assess aerobic capacity
Countermovement Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Countermovement jump (CMJ) height measured using a validated force platform or jump assessment system to evaluate lower-limb explosive power before and after the intervention.
Squat Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Squat jump (SJ) height measured using a validated force platform or jump assessment system to assess concentric lower-limb explosive strength before and after the intervention.
Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Peak Force
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Peak force during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) measured using a force platform to assess maximal isometric lower-limb strength before and after the intervention.
Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Rate of Force Development
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Rate of force development (RFD) during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) measured using a force platform before and after the intervention.
Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Reactive Strength Index (RSI) calculated from repeated ankle hops using a force platform or validated jump assessment system to assess lower-limb reactive strength before and after the intervention.
4 secondary outcomes
Red Blood Cell Count
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Hemoglobin
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Hematocrit
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Erythropoietin
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Alternating Altitude Training and Fixed-Altitude Training in people with Altitude Training and Race Walking, run by Macao Polytechnic University at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Binghong Gao (+853 8591 2000, research_ethics@ipm.edu.mo), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Body Weight (time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 4-week intervention.). The study lists 13 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Jul 2026.