Which physiological response is targeted through altitude training?

Altitude training primarily targets the physiological response of increased red blood cell production. When athletes train at high altitudes, the lower oxygen pressure prompts the body to adapt by producing more erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. This increase in red blood cells enhances the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, allowing athletes to utilize oxygen more efficiently during intense physical activities, particularly when they return to lower altitudes.

This adaptation is crucial for endurance athletes, as higher red blood cell counts facilitate better oxygen delivery to muscles, improving performance in aerobic activities. The effects of altitude training may take time to manifest and are typically sustained even when athletes return to sea level, giving them a notable advantage in competitions where oxygen availability is critical.