Newsgroups: bit.listserv.sportpsy
Date:         Fri, 21 Aug 1992 10:34:54 CST
From:         Bob Lowe <BOBL@VM1.UCA.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Altitude adaption
X-To:         Exercise and Sports Psychology
              <SPORTPSY%TEMPLEVM.BitNet@pucc.PRINCETON.EDU>
              20 Aug 1992 17:02:56 GMT from
              <M23364%MWUNIX.BitNet@pucc.PRINCETON.EDU>

Concerning controlled breathing exercises as a possible simulation of altitude
training:
         Ascending to medium or high altitudes, e.g., 2300 m. or above causes
an immediate but transient increase in respiratory rate since the body senses a
decreased O2 supply.  However, if one remains at altitude this increase in res-
piration declines as other physiological changes occur as alluded to in the
other messages, i.e., increased RBCs and other hematological adapatations.
         These adaptations occur in the first few weeks and approximately 1
week is needed to adapt to every 610 m. beyond 2300 m.  Unfortunately, these
adaptations are short-lived and return to normal after 2-3 weeks at sea level.
Contrary to what most people think, training at altitude can actually decrease
one's performance because they are unable to train at high intensities due to
hypoxic conditions, i.e., low O2 levels.  To get around this problem some
enterprising researchers had athletes train in a hyperbaric chamber at altitude
In other words, the athletes were able to gain the benefits of altitude
exposure and maintain their training intensity.
         Endurance events in which overcoming air resistance is critical, e.g.,
cycling events, etc. may have an advantage at altitude.  For example the world
records for cycling an hour on a track are greater at Mexico city than at sea
level tracks.  However, there is a trade off between improved aerodynamics and
decreased O2 delivery and if one ascends beyond a threshold elevation there is
a subsequent fall in performance. See Perronet, et al. Canadian Journal of
Sports Sciences 14(2): 93-98, 1989 "A comparison of cyclist's time records
according to altitude and materials used."
      Additionally, events which are anaerobic in nature, e.g., sprints, throw-
ing events, etc. there appears to be an advantage at performing at altitude
where there is less wind resistance.
      As for breathing exercises to improve adaptations to altitude, there has
been some work done by respiratory physiologists involving the use of loaded-
breathing (breathing against resistance) to improve the endurance capabilities
of the accessory muscles used in moderate to high intensity exercise.  The
premise for this research is that aproximately 20% of one's cardiac output goes
to these muscles near maximal work and therefore contribute to the limitations
to maximal exercise.  Others have studied the effects of training the abdominal
muscles (also used during exercise) to improve respiratory efficiency.  However
my general impression is that these methods while improving the muscular endur-
ance of those muscles involved does not improve performance.
      If you are interested in a more in depth discussion of these topics see
McArdle, Katch & Katch Chapter 24 in "Exercise Physiology. Energy, Nutrition,
and Human Performance.  3rd edition. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia/London.

Bob Lowe
Human Performance Laboratory
The University of Central Arkansas
BOBL@VM1.UCA.EDU (Internet)
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU