Question

Exercise at high altitudes is hindered by 

A. Increased resistance by the atmosphere to athletic activity. 

B. A fall in the total oxygen supply available to muscle during maximal effort.

C. Respiratory alkalosis. 

D. The compensatory fall in blood bicarbonate level. 

E. High blood lactate levels during severe exertion.

Answer 1

A. False Atmospheric drag is reduced at high altitudes. 

B. True Due to impaired saturation of the blood with oxygen (hypoxic hypoxia). 

C. True Due to increased ventilation induced by hypoxia; this limits ability to further increase ventilation. 

D. False This compensates for the low P_CO2 and allows increased ventilation. 

E. True Lactate levels tend to rise rapidly and fall slowly, leading to intense fatigue and collapse.