Heat & Altitude Training Flashcards
What is acclimatisation?
Process where athlete gradually adapts to change in environment
What are the guild lines for 1000-2000m?
3-5 days for low altitude performance
What are the guidelines for 2000-3000m?
1-2 weeks for low altitude performance
What are the guidelines for 3000m+?
2 weeks + for high altitude performance. Sleep no more than 300m higher each day & regular rest intervals
Why are the guidelines for 5000-5500m?
4 weeks + for extreme altitudes. E.g) climber must spend at least 1 month at base camp before attempting summit of Everest
What is the benefit of altitude on the CV system?
- release erythropoietin increases, increasing RBC production
- SV & CO decrease as O2 extraction is more efficient
- reduced altitude sickness, headaches, breathlessness, poor sleep & lack of appetite
What is hyperthermia?
Where body rises constantly by several degrees & affects physical performance
What are the three main causes of hyperthermia?
- High/prolonged exercise intensities
- High air temperature
- High humidity
What is cardiovascular drift?
An upward drift in heart rate due to rise in body temperature
Why is cardiovascular drift a problem?
The redirection of blood flow to the skin for cooling limits the blood flow to muscles & venous return.
The rise in core temperature alters the function of proteins (eg enzymes) affecting rate of chemical reactions
What is the effect of heat on respiratory system?
•Dehydration: -increased mucus production -constriction of airways -decreased vol of air for gas exchange •increased breathing frequency to maintain O2 consumption: -increased O2 ‘cost’ of exercise •high level of sunlight increase pollutants: -increased irritation of airways -coughing & wheezing
What effect does heat have on the CV system?
•dilation if arterioles & capillaries to skin:
-increased blood flow & pooling in limbs
•decreases blood vol, venous return, SV, CO & blood pressure:
-increased heart rate
-increased strain on CV System
-reduced O2 transport to working muscles
