Describe the changes in atmospheric pressure, air temperature, and air density with increasing altitude.
the PO2 decrease as altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases, air temp decrease and air density decreases
Describe how altitude affects sprint performances and explain why that is the case.
it does not have a large effect on the short term anaerobic performance b/c this system does not rely on oxygen
Explain why distance running performance decreases at altitude.
endurance exercise performances are adversely affected at altitude due to the reduction in the PO2 which causes a decrease in hemoglobin saturation and Vo2 max
Draw a graph to show the effect of altitude on VO2 max and list the reasons for this response.
VO2 max decreases due to combined effects of destruction of hemoglobin and the decrease in maximal cardiac output
up to moderate altitude around 4000m the decrease in VO2 max is primarily due to the decrease in atmospheric PO2. at higher altitudes the rate at which VO2 max falls is increased tdue to a reduction in maximal cardiac output
Explain why such variability exists among athletes in the decrease in VO2 max upon exposure to altitude, the degree of improvement in VO2 max at altitude, and the gains made upon return to sea level.
when athletes train at altitude some experience a greater decline in VO2 max than others. this may be due to difference in the degree to which each athlete experiences a destruction of hemoglobin. remember some athletes experience desaturation during maximal work at sea level. Some athletes show an increase in VO2 max while training at attitude, whereas others do not. This may be due to the degrees to which the athlete was trained before going to altitude. in addition some athletes show an improved VO2 max upon return to sea level, whereas others do not. pat of the resin may be the altitude at which they train. those who train at high altitudes may be actually “detrain; due to the fact that the quantity of the workouts suffers at the high altitude (intensity and duration) and some of the postexerixse adaptations to training may be hunted at altitudes above 3000m. Therefore live high train low
Graphically describe the effect of altitude on the heart rate and ventilation responses to submaximal work, and explain why these changes are appropriate.
submaimal performances conducted at altitude require higher heart rate and ventilation due to the lower oxygen content of material blood and the reduction in the number of oxygen molecules per litre of air, respectively
List and describe the factors influencing the risk of heat injury.
fitness, acclimation, hydration, environmental tmp, clothing, humidity, metabolic rate, wind
acclimation
–> increase plasma volume, skin blood flow and sweating
- increases VO2 max, cardiac output and power output at the LT
- decreases body temp and HR responses to exercise
- decrease salt water in sweat
- increase aerobic exercise performance
Describe the process of adaptation to altitude and the degree to which this adaptation can be complete.
Hypoxia due to altitude is sensed by cells in the kidney, resulting in an increase in HIF-1, a protein that stimulates the production of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). EPO then stimulates the production of more red blood cells, and other factors, which lessen the effects of hypoxia at altitude.
best for permanent residence born in the area
Describe the potential problems associated with training at high altitude and how one might deal with them.
detraining –> live high train low
Explain the circumstances that caused physiologists to reevaluate their conclusions that humans could not climb Mount Everest without oxygen.
found that the barometric pressure was higher than expected . those successful to submit have a higher capacity to hyperventilate. This dives down the PCO2 and the [H+] in the blood and allows more oxygen to bind with hemoglobin at the same arterial PO2
Explain the role that hyperventilation plays in helping to maintain a high oxygen-hemoglobin saturation at extreme altitudes.
This dives down the PCO2 and the [H+] in the blood and allows more oxygen to bind with hemoglobin at the same arterial PO2
Describe in general terms the guidelines suggested for running road races in the heat
Provide suggestions for the fitness participant to follow to minimize the likelihood of heat injury.
pre-cooling , exercise in cooler parts of the say, checking HR, hydrate
Describe the three elements in the heat stress index, and explain why one is more important than the other two.
dry bulb temperature, black bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature, –> wet bulb is the best indicator of water vapour pressure therefore most important
List the factors influencing hypothermia.
Explain what the wind chill index is relative to heat loss.
insulating factors: subcutaneous fact, clothing (wet vs dry)
enovinrmental factors
heat production
descriptive characteristics ie sex and age
Explain why exposure to cold water is more dangerous than exposure to air of the same temperature.
water causes heat to be lost faster than air
Describe what the “clo” unit is and how recommendations for insulation change when one does exercise.
Describe the role of subcutaneous fat and heat production in the development of hypothermia.
subcutaneous fat is the primary “natural” insulation and is effective in preventing rapid heat loss when a person is exposed to cold water
List the steps to follow to deal with hypothermia.
Explain how carbon monoxide can influence performance, and list the steps that should be taken to reduce the impact of pollution on performance.
carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin and reduces oxygen transport
Air Quality Index (AQI)
atmospheric pressure
measure of the weight of a column of air directly over that spot, decrease as altitude increases
clo
insulating quantity of clothing is given in clo units
exercise-induced muscle cramps
