Hypobaric Environment

Exercising at Altitude

Physiological Adaptation to Altitude

Short Term Adaptation

Hyperventilation. Increase in submaximal heart rate. Increase in submaximal cardiac output. Stroke volume remains same or slightly lowered. Maximum cardiac output remains same or slightly lowered

Physiological Adaptation to Altitude

Long Term Adaptations
Hyperventilation Submaximal heart rate remains elevated. Submaximal cardiac output falls to sea level values or lower. Stroke volume is lowered. Maximum cardiac output is lowered. Possible increased capillarization of skeletal muscles. Increased mitochondria Increased aerobic enzymes Decrease in plasma volume Increased hemoglobin concentration Increased number of red blood cells

Performance at Altitude

Acclimatization: Prolonged Exposure to Altitude

Blood Adaptation
Increased erythrocyte (RBC) production more hemoglobin Increased oxygen carrying capacity

Muscle Adaptation
Total muscle & body weight decreases at altitude Dehydration & appetite suppression

Metabolic Adaptation
The decreased VO2max with initial exposure to altitude does not improve much during several weeks of exposure

Altitude Training & Performance

Sea Level Performance
Most studies show that altitude training leads to no significant improvement of sea level performance

Altitude Performance
Altitude training can improve performance in altitude Training guidelines for altitude competition
Arrive within the first 24 hr Train at altitude of 1500m to 3000m for at least 2 weeks prior to performing

Lake Louise Self-Report Questionnaire

Clinical Assessment