Question

4- In detail using the variables measured in this lab (pulmonary function, respiratory rate, and heart rate), explain potential physiological benefits an elite level athlete might gain by exercising at high altitude and then competing at sea level compared to someone who only trained at sea level; and explain why these changes are only temporary. Use at least 5 references

Answer 1

Athletes do this because the air is "thinner" at high altitudes meaning there are fewer oxygen molecules per volume of air. Every breath taken at a high altitude delivers less of what working muscles require.. By training at high altitudes, athletes aim to allow their bodies to produce extra red blood cells.

While the effect is most dramatic at altitudes greater than 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level, it is noticeable even at 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above sea level.

By training at high altitudes, athletes aim to allow their bodies to produce extra red blood cells. Then, they head to a competition at lower elevations to take advantage of their changed physiology, which should last for 10 to 20 days.

while training in high altitude the oxygen carrying capacity of lungs will decrease. And the respiratory rate will be less. So while training through this extreme conditions the body will try to adapt that situation. So take this as an advantage while any competition which is conducting in low altitude (which means sea level).The athletes who train in sea level only then they do not have these type of advantages like who trained in high altitude.

While the effects of high altitude on the endocrine systems, energy intake, resting metabolic rate and body mass are severe, it appears that resting metabolic rate is also increased, albeit to a smaller extent, at low to moderate altitudes, and targeting adequate energy intake is important for optimizing health and appears to be an emerging factor associated with optimizing altitude adaptations.

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