ACTIVE: Journal of Physical Education, Sport, Health and Recreation
Vol. 14 No. 3 (2025)

The Effects of Altitude Training on Blood Components and Performance of Elite Rowing Athletes: Systematic Literature Review

Rifqi Harits Taufiqurahman (Unknown)
Dede Rohmat Nurjaya (Unknown)
Pipit Pitriani (Unknown)
Agus Rusdiana (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Oct 2025

Abstract

Rowing athlete performance is greatly influenced by aerobic capacity, explosive strength, and precise technical coordination. One strategy widely used to support performance improvement is altitude training, namely training in hypoxic conditions through the Live High-Train Low (LHTL), Live High-Train High (LHTH), and Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) methods. Hypoxic exposure is believed to stimulate an increase in erythropoietin (EPO), which in turn increases hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and total hemoglobin mass (Hbmass), thereby optimizing the body's oxygen transport capacity. This study aims to systematically examine the effect of altitude training on blood components and the performance of elite rowing athletes. The study was conducted using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Data sources were obtained through the Publish or Perish tool with a publication year range of 2015–2025, and inclusion criteria focused on Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) studies examining the effects of altitude training on elite rowing athletes. The results of the analysis showed that the LHTL method with a duration of 3–4 weeks and hypoxic exposure of ≥12 hours per day provided a significant increase in Hb, Hct, Hbmass, as well as aerobic capacity such as VO₂max and peak power output. However, there are variations in individual responses between "responders" and "non-responders," as well as differences in study design that cause the results to be inconsistent. Factors such as training intensity, initial fitness status, and nutritional support also influence the effectiveness of the intervention. Therefore, it can be concluded that altitude training has the potential to be an effective strategy to improve the performance of rowing athletes through hematological and physiological adaptations, with LHTL as the most promising method. This research is expected to provide theoretical contributions to the development of sports coaching science as well as practical recommendations for coaches and federations in developing evidence-based training programs.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

peshr

Publisher

Subject

Other

Description

Journal is a peer-reviewed, four-color, professional journal. Continuously published since 2012, Active serves as an authoritative, professional source for educators in physical education, sports, health, and recreation in all settings. It provides the information needed to assist students and ...