Altitude and Heat

Question 1

What is the effect of altitude on oxygen getting to the muscles?

Answer 1

lower pO2 in the air, decreased diffusion gradient into blood, decreased haemoglobin saturation, less O2 transported to muscle tissue, decreased diffusion gradient into muscle, decreased supply of O2 for aerobic activity so BR and HR increases leads to shorter duration of aerobic activity

Question 2

What is the partial pressure of oxygen at sea level, 3,600m and 8,800m?

Answer 2

sea level = 159 mmHg
3,600 = 105 mmHg
8,800 = 43 mmHg

Question 3

What happens as a result of a slower rate of oxygen diffusion?

Answer 3

breathing rate increases, blood volume decreases to increase the RBC density in blood, heart rate increases and maximal cardiac output decreases

Question 4

What is acclimatisation?

Answer 4

the process of gradually adapting to a change in their environment

Question 5

What are the 4 time periods of acclimatisation?

Answer 5

1. 1000-2000m takes 3-5 days
2. 2000-3000m takes 1-2 weeks
3. 3000+m takes 2+ weeks
4. 5000-5500m takes 4+ weeks

Question 6

What are the benefits of acclimatising to high altitude?

Answer 6

1. increase in RBC count due to more EPO
2. an increased conc of Hb
3. increased blood viscosity
4. Capillarisation
5. increased lactic acid tolerance

Question 7

What is the process by which the body regulates its temperature?

Answer 7

thermoregulation

Question 8

What is hyperthermia and what causes it?

Answer 8

Too hot
1. high and prolonged exercise intensities
2. hot weather
3. high humidity levels

Question 9

What is CV drift?

Answer 9

After 20 mins of exercise, fluid is lost from blood through sweat which leads to viscosity of blood increasing so SV decreases which means HR keeps increasing to counter this

Question 10

What are the long term effects of altitude training?

Answer 10

1. increased RBC count due to EPO release
2. stronger respiratory muscles
3. increased CV endurance
4. increased ability of body to take oxygen out of air

Question 11

What are the pros and cons of altitude training?

Answer 11

Pros = increased ability to get O2 to working muscles, increased fitness, mentally refreshing for a change, good for aerobic performers
Cons = effects are short lived, expensive, increased risk of injury while training in unnatural environment and only benefits aerobic system