A.5: Training and Performing at Altitude

Question 1

A.5.1. State the height ranges for different categories of altitude

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

A.5.2. Define hypoxia

Answer 2

Inadequate supply of oxygen to respiring tissue

Question 3

A.5.3. Outline the physiological effects of altitude

Answer 3

• respiratory responses: hyperventilation
• cardiovascular responses: elevated sub maximal heart rate
• metabolic response: production of energy and lactic acid via glycolysis may be limited

Question 4

A.5.4. Outline the effects of altitude on fluid balance

Answer 4

• Dehydration
• Fluid loss is exacerbated
• Altitude-induced diuresis (increased urine production) also occurs

Question 5

A.5.5. Outline altitude training

Answer 5

• Training for endurance athlete at 2,000+ m for several weeks/months
• To gain competitive advantage in low alt. comp

Question 6

A.5.6. Evaluate the impact of altitude training for individual athletes and team sports players

Answer 6

• live high, train high (LHTH)
• live high, train low (LHTL)
• live low, train high (LLTH)

Question 7

Pros and cons of the LHTH

Answer 7

Pros:

• Maximum exposure to altitude
• 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

Question 8

Pros and Cons of LHTL

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Pros and Cons of LLTH

Answer 9

Pros:

• No altitude effects in daily life (no headache, no dehydration, no dizziness)

Cons:

• Cannot train at a high intensity as at sea level → have lost fitness

Question 10

A.5.7. Evaluate the impact of altitude on sports performance

Answer 10

Performance in different sports may be enhanced or impaired by the following effects:

• Lower air density = drag is lower at high altitude.
• Lower partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) = reduced maximum aerobic capacity.
• Projectile motion is altered by reduced air density.

Question 11

What are the 3 altitude sicknesses?

Answer 11

• acute mountain sickness (AMS)
• high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)
• high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

Question 12

A.5.9. Distinguish between the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)

Answer 12

• dizziness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• shortness of breath
• elevated heart rate

Question 13

A.5.9. Distinguish between the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)

Answer 13

• accumulation of fluid in the lungs results in shortness of breath
• elevated heart rate
• coughing
• wheezing while breathing
• bluish appearance to the skin

Question 14

A.5.9. Distinguish between the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)

Answer 14

• accumulation of fluid in the brain → confusion
• fever
• photo-phobia
• severe headaches
• cessation of physical activities → loss of consciousness.

Question 15

A.5.8. Explain the adaptations resulting from altitude hypoxia

Answer 15

• Blood: More red blood cells.
• Muscle: Less lean mass, more muscle capillaries.
• Cardiorespiratory: Increased ventilation, more alveoli, higher lung capillary density.

Question 16

A.5.10. Describe how to prevent high-altitude illness for athletes

Answer 16

• Screen for pre-existing medical conditions.
• Promote hydration.
• Ascend gradually.
• Introduce participation in exercise gradually.
• Use medication to prevent AMS