Exercise at Altitude

Abstract

Altitude poses physiological challenges to the sports participant in excess of those encountered at sea level. The main problem is hypoxia and the reduction in oxygen transport capacity, which is linked to the fall in alveolar oxygen tension. Training at altitude is imperative as preparation for competing there in aerobic events. The acute adaptations on exposure to moderate altitudes may be beneficial for subsequent performance at sea level, and this has led to the use of altitude training camps, though their advantages have not been conclusively demonstrated. The benefits of altitude training depend on a variety of factors, including individual characteristics and environmental training variables.