Research Flashcards
What are the different types of research assessments mentioned?
- Causative assesments involves interventions and outcome measurements. Uses tools like odds and risk ratios
- Correlative assessments can be used to determine if two things do the same thing at the same time.
- Additionally, Descriptive assessments can determine if one thing can’t happen without the first thing occurring.
- Necessitibe assesments are the most challenging type because our bodies are really good at maintaing homeostatsis. Something will need to happen for the second thing to hapen and the first thing can’t happen without the second thing
How does the sympathetic nervous system control cardiovascular function?
The SNS controls heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow. This is part of the regulation, plasticity and adaptation along the sympathetic neurovascular cascade.
What kind of physiological stressors are mentioned in relation to adaptation and plasticity?
Environmental stress, such as decreased oxygen levels (hypoxia). This can cause a flight or fight response
How is sympathetic nervous system activity measured?
Microneurography is used to measure myelinated and unmyelinated sympathetic neurons. This involves direct neural recording. Measurements also include burst frequency, burst amplitude, and burst probability/occurrence. This is measured alongside an electrocardiogram and continuous blood pressure
What is the difference between hypoxia and hypoxaemia?
- Hypoxia refers to the reduced availability of oxygen, while hypoxaemia refers to reduced oxygen in the blood.
- Hypoxaemia refers to an impaired ability to take up and circulate oxygen. Hypoxia can result from environmental factors such as high altitude.
How is hypoxia/hypoxaemia measured?
Barometer (measures pressure), gas analyzer, mass spectrometer, pulse oximetry, and near-infrared spectroscopy are all used. Pulse oximetry is independent of pressure. Tissue microscopy is also used. These measure how much O2 is in the blood.
What are the short-term responses to altitude?
At ~4300m, there’s about a ~25% reduction in exercise capacity; at the summit it is ~60%. This reduction in performance is not necessarily dangerous, but an indication of decreased oxygen used to do something
What is the body’s method of oxygen transport and what are typical values at sea level?
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) and hemoglobin are used to transport oxygen. Typical sea level values are a hematocrit of 40-50% and a hemoglobin concentration of 13-17 g/dL. At higher altitudes, hematocrit can increase to 50+% and hemoglobin concentration to 20+ g/dL. Fluid (plasma) volume decreases at higher altitude
What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and what are its symptoms?
AMS is a syndrome of symptoms that can occur above 2500m. Symptoms include headache, GI issues, fatigue, and dizziness.
What tool is used to diagnose AMS?
The Lake Louise Score (LLS) is used to diagnose AMS
How is the severity of AMS classified?
The severity is classified by clinical functional score. Scores range from 0-3 (none to severe), based on headache, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, and dizziness. Mild AMS is 3-5, moderate is 6-9, and severe is 10-12. A headache score of 1 or higher must be present to have AMS
What are the known causes of AMS and can it be predicted?
The underlying causes of AMS are currently unknown and it is not possible to predict who will develop AMS
What are the recommendations for acclimatizing to altitude?
Recommendations include taking prophylactic drugs (Diamox), limiting elevation gain to 300-500m per day, incorporating a rest day for every 1000m gained, avoiding respiratory depressants (e.g., alcohol), not ascending higher if unwell, and descending if symptoms persist or worsen.
What are some examples of long-term adaptations to altitude?
Sluggish thick blood
What are some examples of long-term adaptations to altitude?
CMS is characterized by excessive red blood cell production. A Qinghai score > 5 is a diagnosis for CMS. A score of +3 is added if Hb ≥21 g/dL in men or ≥19 g/dL in women. An abnormally high Hb plus a score on the CMS scale can indicate CMS
