Exercise at Altitude Flashcards
effect of altitude on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
1
Q
define altitude
A
the height in m of a location above sea leveld
2
Q
define hypoxia
A
a condition where the respiring tissue is deprived of adequate O2
3
Q
what is altitude acclimatisation?
A
- the process of the body adjusting to the decreased O2 availability
- it is a slow process taking place over a period of weeks
4
Q
altitude training
A
- training at high altitude for several weeks
- perfect for aerobic performers who see benefits returning to sea level
5
Q
atmospheric pressure
A
the pressure exerted by the weight of air in earth’s atmosphere
6
Q
how long does it take for acclimatisation?
A
- 1 - 2 000: 3-5 days
- 2 - 3 000: 1 - 2 weeks
- 3 000 + : 2 weeks +
- 5 000 + : 4 weeks +
7
Q
effects on the respiratory system
A
- increase in f, TV, and ve
- decrease in ppO2 availability
- shallower diffusion in lungs and blood
- less O2 diffuses into the blood
8
Q
effects on the cardiovascular system
A
- blood plasma volume decreases
- stroke volume decreases and HR increases
- less oxyhaemoglobin
- shallower gradient in blood and muscles
- less dissociation
- body working in hypoxic conditions
9
Q
effect on sub-maximal exercise
A
- aerobic performance deteriorates
- detraining/reversibility occurs
- decreased VO2 max
- early fatigue, lactate threshold and OBLA
10
Q
effect on maximal exercise
A
- anaerobic performance mainly unaffected
- some explosive events using FG fibres can improve due to air being thinner
- events using FOG can deteriorate due to increased levels of lactic acid
11
Q
cardiovascular adaptations (post acclimatisation)
A
- increased capillary density around alveoli and muscles
- increased release EPO
- increased haemoglobin content
- increased oxygen carrying capacity of blood
12
Q
respiratory adaptations (post-acclimatisation)
A
- increased surface area of alveoli
- increased capacity for diffusion during external and internal respiration
- increased strength of respiratory muscles
13
Q
effects on sub-max intensity (post acclimatisation)
A
- aerobic performance improves
- increased VO2
- delayed fatigue
- delayed lactate threshold and OBLA
