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The Effectiveness of Altitude Training Camps in Sport Tourism Destinations on Athletes' Hematological Adaptations and Organizational Outcomes

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Hamadan Branch, Hamadan, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose: Altitude training camps have become increasingly popular within sport tourism destinations, offering athletes the dual benefits of physiological enhancement and exposure to attractive travel environments. This review examines the effectiveness of altitude-based sport tourism programs in producing hematological adaptations—particularly changes in red blood cell count, hemoglobin mass, erythropoietin (EPO) levels, and oxygen-carrying capacity—as well as their organizational implications for teams, federations, and tourism stakeholders. Method: A wide range of studies indicates that living and training at moderate to high altitudes (1,800–3,000 m) can stimulate erythropoiesis, improve oxygen transport, and enhance endurance performance when appropriate training models such as “live high–train low” (LH-TL) or “live high–train high” (LH-TH) are applied. Evidence further suggests that the duration, individual physiological responsiveness, nutritional status, and quality of recovery play crucial roles in mediating hematological adaptations. Despite these physiological benefits, responses to altitude remain highly individual, with some athletes demonstrating minimal or no improvement due to genetic factors, iron availability, or inadequate acclimatization strategies.
 Results: Beyond the physiological dimension, altitude training camps have significant organizational and managerial outcomes. Sport tourism destinations with suitable altitude profiles generate economic revenue, create seasonal employment, and elevate the international reputation of host regions. For sport organizations, altitude camps serve strategic purposes in talent development, team cohesion, and performance planning before major competitions. Conclusion: The review highlights the need for integrated planning between sport scientists, coaches, tourism managers, and local authorities to optimize both physiological outcomes for athletes and organizational benefits for host destinations. Overall, altitude training camps represent a unique intersection of sport physiology and sport tourism management, offering measurable hematological advantages alongside valuable economic and organizational opportunities when implemented under evidence-based protocols.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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New Approaches in Exercise Physiology
Volume 7, Issue 13
June 2025
Pages 64-111
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