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What the main effects of high altitude training?

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Following are the main effects of high altitude on Physical performance:

(a) Decrease in total Barometric Pressure: As we ascend to higher and higher altitudes, the total barometric pressure (Barometric pressure reflects the force of earth's gravity acting on the atmosphere: therefore the atmospheric pressure is greatest at the surface of the earth and gradually gets smaller as one moves to higher altitudes) decreases because of the decreased weight of the atmosphere. The force of gravity is smaller at high altitude than at sea level, the energy required to lift the body, as in the pole vault and high jump, would decrease. However the effect on physical performance is quite small.

(b) Decrease in Partial Pressure of Oxygen: The decreased barometric pressure causes the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) to be decreased. The decreased oxygen pressure at high altitude decreases the arterial oxygen saturation of blood which, in turn decreases the amount of oxygen available to the working tissues. Physically, the decreased PO2 is the most critical factor of high altitude because the individual's work capacity depends largely upon his ability to take in and utilize oxygen rapidly. Because of this, pilots and mountain climbers are required to take oxygen at altitudes over 20,000 feet.

(c) Decrease in density of Air: The decreased density, of the air reduces the resistance of the airways to the flow of air into and out of the lungs. This permits greater volume of air to be taken in during work with no significant increase in ventilation cost. In which air resistance is a factor, the reduction density of the air acts in favour of those performance e.g., sprint type activities, jumping, pol, vaulting. throwing etc.

(d) Cool and dry Air: The air is generally cooler and dry at high altitude. Although the cool temperature makes work more pleasant, and in fact, can help performances involving prolong exertion, the dry air can also increase the water loss from the respiratory tract which may contribute to the dehydration. Also, dryness of the throat is often experienced by athletes as a result of the dry air.

(e) Sunburn and Snow Blindness: It is common for skiers and mountaineers to experience sunburns and snow blindness at high altitude. The solar radiation is much more intense at high altitude than at sea level and the skin tends to be dryer at high altitudes. as the winds generally blood harder at higher elevations. Skin burns at high altitude are also related to the decreased density of air.

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