Purpose:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a combination of two different hypoxic training models (“live high-train high” and “live high-train low” with the use of a hypoxic tent) on the aerobic capacity of a elite race walker preparing for the 2009 IAAF World Championships.

Methods:
Evaluation of VO₂max and the second ventilatory threshold was performed three times: 1) after four weeks training without hypoxic conditions, 2) after 28 days training in normoxia and sleeping for 8 h/day in a hypoxic tent (normobaric hypoxia, simulated hypoxia at 2133 m above sea level) and 3) after 26 days of classical altitude training at a moderate altitude of about 1800 m ASL (hypobaric hypoxia). The hematological parameters of the athlete’s blood (hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and erythrocytes and reticulocytes counts) were also measured after each stage.

Results:
After training in normoxia and sleeping in a hypoxic tent the ventilatory threshold was noted at a higher work intensity and featured an improvement in his hematological parameters, although VO₂max was unchanged (compared to training without hypoxia). After classical altitude training a higher level of VO₂max was observed (with a ventilatory threshold level similar to the level after training in normobaric hypoxia), but the hematological indices were lower than the levels observed before starting hypoxic training.

Conclusions:
The combination of two methods of hypoxic training improved the aerobic capacity of the test subject, but an improvement in the analyzed hematological indicators was observed only after LH + TL training. After training in LH + TH these indicators were lower in comparison to the levels prior hypoxic training. The changes in the hematological indices after hypoxic training did not seem to have a significant influence on aerobic capacity; the observed improvements in physical performance may result from other factors.