Purpose The aim of the present study was to identify blood-based biomarkers that could predict individual VO 2 max improvement before the start of an artificial altitude training camp. Methods In an exploratory intervention study, 15 young highly trained athletes from the German Athletics Federation completed a 21-day Live High – Train Low program at an artificial altitude house, which simulated an altitude of 800 km·h (approx...

Purpose This study investigated elite German athletes to (1) assess their serum 25(OH)D levels and the prevalence of insufficiency, (2) identify key factors influencing serum 25(OH)D levels, and (3) analyze the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and handgrip strength. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 474 athletes (231 female), aged 13–39 years (mean 19.3 years), from ten Olympic disciplines were included...

Purpose The present study aims to investigate the acute response of potential exercise-sensitive biomarkers in capillary plasma to an acute incremental running test. In a second step, their concentration was compared to the changes in the venous serum. Methods Thirty-seven active young female and male adults completed a VO 2max ramp test on a treadmill. Before and after exercise, capillary blood from the earlobe and venous blo...