Altitude Training

Altitude Training

1. Partial pressure of oxygen decreases when altitude increases

   • Up to 50% when at 5,000m

2. Not as much oxygen diffuses into blood so haemoglobin is not as fully saturated with oxygen

3. Less oxygen transported to delivered to working muscles, reduction in performance, VO2 max, and quicker onset of anaerobic respiration

4. Elite endurance athletes train at 2,500m for several weeks

5. Acclimatises performers to lower level of oxygen available in atmosphere

   • England football squad trained at altitude in Austria to prepare themselves for the 2010 world cup in South Africa

6. Difficult to train at same intensity due to reduction in partial pressure of oxygen

   • Can lead to detraining or loss of fitness

7. Altitude sickness

8. Benefits gained can be quickly lost on return to sea level

9. Homesickness if living and training away from home

10. Stimulates production of red blood cells

    • More haemoglobin to bind with oxygen

11. Uses aerobic system

    • Main fuel is fats