Environmental Effects on the Body Flashcards
What is a Contemporary example of Environment Effects?
- The Qatar World Cup
- The soaring desert heat meant competition was held within Nov/ Dec and games were played at night to avoid thermal strain
- SYNOPTIC- commercialisation and “Shop Window Effect” for Qatar- large investments into the games
What two factors affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems the most?
-ALTITIDE AND HUMIDITY
Define altitude?
The height of elevation of an area raised above sea level where there is a lower PARTITAL PRESSURE of oxygen and a decrease in BAROMETRIC PRESSURE
Impacts on the Respiratory System due to Altitude?
-reduction of pp of 02
-decreased rate of diffusion within the alveoli
-decreased saturation of haemoglobin
-decreased transport of 02 to the working muscles
= decreased diffusion into the muscle cell (EXTERNAL RESPIARTION)
-EXPAND= quicker onset of OBLA
=faster lactate build up
=decreased quality of game play
Impacts on Long Distance performers of Altitude?
- decreased VO2 max= reduction in AEROBIC CAPAICTY
- performance of endurance athletes becomes harder= MOTIVATION
- demands of aerobic energy systems increase
- EARLY FATIGUE
“for every 1,000m above sea level, VO2 max drops by around 8-11%”
What is “Hypoxia”?
Altitude Sickness
Define Altitude acclimatisation?
The process whereby an athlete GRADUALLY adopts to a CHANGE in their environment= essential for endurance athletes who rely on 02 transport for effective performance
What are the positive effects of Acclimatisation to altitude?
- release of ETHRYOPOEITIN which increases red blood cell count naturally
- increased 02 transport in the blood = increased consumption in muscle cells
- breathing rate and ventilation stabilise but remain elevated at rest
- SV and Q decrease as 02 transport increases
At what height does altitude start to have an effect?
1,500 m
What are the overall benefits of acclimatisation for CV system and respiratory systems?
Increased RBC count due to increased ERYTHROPOETIN
Breathing rate and frequency can stabilise and remain elevated at rest for a short period
SV and Q reduce as 02 extraction and transport becomes more efficient
Symptoms of Hypoxia/ Altitude Sickness?
- Reduced ability to sleep/ restlessness
- Breathlessness
- Poor sleep
- Lack of appetite
Evaluate Altitude Training?
+increased RBC production due to release of EPO
+increased concentration of haemoglobin
+increased 02 transport
+will last up to 2 weeks = useful pre competition
- expensive to set up due to travel and accommodation
- altitude sickness
- training is tough and requires high levels of MOTIVATION
- LOST FAST
Define Thermoregulation?
The process of maintaining a performers core, internal body temperature
=37 degrees celcius
How does thermoregulation work?
- THERMORECPETORS detect changes to the temp of a performer
- MEDULLA OBLONGATA detects changes to initiate regulation
- Blood is sent to the surface of the skin
- Vasodilation of blood vessels near the skin allows for convection and evaporation of heat
How many litres can an athlete loose of fluid/ hour?
2-3 litres of fluid per hour
