A.5 Flashcards
State the height ranges for different categories of altitude
Near sea level: 0-500 meters
Low altitudes: 500-2000 meters
Moderate altitude: 2000-3000 meters
High altitude: 3000-5500 meters
Extreme altitude: 5500+ meters
Define hypoxia
The condition where oxygen supply to cells is insufficient
Or
Inadequate supply of oxygen to respiring tissue
Outline Altitude Training
This is training for endurance athletes at altitudes above 2,000 m for several weeks or months in order to gain a competitive advantage in low altitude competitions
Outline the effects of altitude on fluid balance
dehydration
Fluid loss is exacerbated
Altitude-induced diuresis (increased urine production) also occurs
Outline the physiological effects of altitude.
respiratory responses: such as hyperventilation
cardiovascular responses: elevated sub maximal heart rate
metabolic responses: production of energy and lactic acid via glycolysis may be limited
Name the three different approaches to altitude training
– live high, train high (LHTH)
– live high, train low (LHTL)
– live low, train high (LLTH)
What are the pros and cons of the Live High Train High approach
Pros:
Maximum exposure to altitude (stimulus is constant)
Stimulus on the body is constant
Cons:
Cannot train at a high intensity as at sea level
Takes a long time of acclimatize = no training
Research = Little support of training effects, less support among experts (some athletes show improved performance, some don’t)
What are the pros and cons of the Live High Train Low approach
Pros:
High time spent at altitude
Training at sea level can be very intense
Cons:
Have to live at altitude for at least 3 weeks
Research = Improvements in sea level performance have been shown in events lasting between 8 and 20 minutes
What are the pros and con of the Live Low Train High approach
Pros:
No altitude effects in daily life (no headache, no dehydration, no dizziness)
Cons:
Cannot train at a high intensity as at sea level so some athletes report that they have lost fitness
Research = Some findings suggest this can work, but nothing concrete.
Describe how to prevent high-altitude illness for athletes.
- Screen for pre-existing medical conditions.
- Promote hydration.
- Ascend gradually.
- Introduce participation in exercise gradually.
- Use medication to prevent AMS, for example, acetazolamide (a respiratory stimulant)
What are the 3 altitude sicknesses
acute mountain sickness(AMS)
high-altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE)
high-altitude cerebral edema(HACE).
What are the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
dizziness headache nausea or vomiting shortness of breath elevated heart rate.
What are the symptoms of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)
accumulation of fluid in the lungs results in shortness of breath elevated heart rate coughing wheezing while breathing bluish appearance to the skin.
What are the symptoms of high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
accumulation of fluid in the brain results in confusion
fever
photo-phobia
severe headaches
cessation of physical activities and eventually loss of consciousness.
Explain the adaptations resulting from altitude hypoxia
Blood adaptations (for example, increased number of red blood cells)
Muscle adaptations (for example, reduced lean body mass and increased capillary density in the muscles)
Cardio respiratory adaptations (for example, increase in pulmonary ventilation both at rest and during exercise, increased number of alveoli, increased capillary density at the lungs)
