ABSTRACT
The hormone erythropoietin (EPO), released under hypoxic conditions, acts to stimulate RBC production. Serum EPO, reticulocyte count (retic), haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and percent haemocrit (Hct) were monitored in 6 male world-ranked swimmers during and following a 3-week training camp at 1850 m. Serum EPO and retics were significantly increased by day 19 and remained elevated 3 weeks postaltitude. The Hb values were raised by 5% at the end of the test period, and had retained this level 6 months later. There was a difference in the EPO response by sprinters and endurance specialists. Further work is required to elucidate the mechanism of EPO response and its effects upon performance.
