Northern Arizona Athletes Use Altitude Control Technology to Train

Northern Arizona University athletes, who already train at 7,000 feet on their campus in Flagstaff, will be able to workout in other simulated elevations due to the school’s new partnership with Altitude Control Technology. 

The University’s new 77,000 square foot Student-Athlete High Performance Center has just been equipped with the Altitude Control Technology (ACT) that utilizes a smart thermostat to simulate different altitudes. According to ACT, the technology “seamlessly recalibrates the oxygen and nitrogen mix’’ to create either a lower-altitude room or an even higher-altitude room. 

Adjusted with a touchscreen much the way someone would operate heating or air conditioning, the ACT system will particularly help Northern Arizona’s nationally-ranked cross country and track athletes maximize their training, as well as help with strength, recovery and endurance workouts. 

Colorado-based ACT is known for its whole room oxygenation installations that help limit the onset of altitude sickness and improve sleep quality. But athletic training is another intriguing benefit. 

“Only a handful of NCAA athletic facilities have altitude training capabilities, and we are thrilled to be one, as now we are on the leading edge of new research exploring the physical benefits of sea-level and variable altitudes for athletic performance,’’ Northern Arizona athletic director Mike Marlow said in a statement. “Coupled with our nutrition counseling, strength program and expert staff, we know the altitude simulation environment will enable a whole new student-athlete experience.’’