Stresses And Challenges

Question 1

Athletic performance has been seen to deteriorate

Answer 1

Heights as low as 500m

Question 2

Reduced oxygen availability in air at altitude

Answer 2

Reduced exercise capacity
Increased fatigue
Impaired performance (Roach, R .C et al., 2000)

Question 3

Hypoxia-induced ventilators response

Answer 3

Increased ventilation to compensate for reduced oxygen availability. Hyperventilation leads to respiratory discomfort, sensation of breathlessness during exercise. Can result in early fatigue.
West J. b (2002

Question 4

Hypoxia detrimental effect (1)

Answer 4

Increases mitochondria, increased dehydration and acute mountain sickness

Question 5

Hypoxia detrimental effect (2)

Answer 5

Increase in oxidative enzyme activity, immunosuppression

Question 6

Fluid and Electrolyte imbalance

Answer 6

Increased respiratory water loss and diuresis lead to electrolyte imbalance Ann’s dehydration.
Burtscher et al., 2008
Imbalance impair thermoregulation, increase risk of heat illness and negatively impact performance.
Armstrong et al., 2007