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Acclimatisation and Exercise Physiology

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10 Questions

What is the primary purpose of acclimatisation strategies?

To improve performance and reduce risk of illness

What is the result of heat stress on the body?

Elevated body temperature and impacted cardiovascular function

What is the most severe heat illness?

Heat stroke

What is a benefit of altitude training?

Improved aerobic capacity and increased red blood cell count

What is the purpose of cooling strategies in recovery techniques?

To reduce body temperature and enhance heat loss

What is a risk factor for heat illness?

Intense or prolonged exercise

What is the purpose of compression garments and elevation in recovery techniques?

To improve blood flow and reduce swelling

What is the result of altitude stress on the body?

Hypoxia and decreased oxygen delivery

What is the purpose of hydration and electrolyte replacement in recovery techniques?

To replenish fluids and electrolytes and prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

What is a symptom of heat exhaustion?

Systemic symptoms, such as nausea and dizziness

Study Notes

Acclimatisation Strategies

  • Acclimatisation: process of adapting to environmental stressors (heat, altitude) to improve performance and reduce risk of illness
  • Heat Acclimatisation:
    • 7-14 days of heat exposure to induce adaptations
    • Involves gradual increase in exercise intensity and duration in hot environment
    • Enhances sweat rate, plasma volume, and cardiovascular function
  • Altitude Acclimatisation:
    • 7-14 days of altitude exposure to induce adaptations
    • Involves gradual increase in altitude and exercise intensity
    • Enhances oxygen delivery, buffering capacity, and ventilatory responses

Physiological Responses

  • Heat Stress:
    • Elevated body temperature (hyperthermia) due to excessive heat gain
    • Impacts cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous system function
    • Increases risk of heat-related illnesses
  • Altitude Stress:
    • Hypoxia (low oxygen availability) at high elevations
    • Impacts oxygen delivery, aerobic capacity, and exercise performance
    • Increases risk of altitude-related illnesses (e.g., acute mountain sickness)

Exercise Induced Heat Illness

  • Heat Illness Spectrum:
    • Heat cramps: muscle cramps due to electrolyte imbalance
    • Heat exhaustion: systemic symptoms (e.g., nausea, dizziness) due to heat stress
    • Heat stroke: life-threatening condition characterized by hyperthermia (>40°C) and altered mental status
  • Risk Factors:
    • High ambient temperature and humidity
    • Intense or prolonged exercise
    • Inadequate hydration and acclimatisation
    • Certain medications and medical conditions

Altitude Training Benefits

  • Improved Aerobic Capacity: increased mitochondrial density and myoglobin concentration in muscles
  • Increased Red Blood Cell Count: enhanced oxygen delivery to muscles
  • Enhanced Buffering Capacity: improved ability to buffer lactic acid and other metabolic byproducts
  • Improved Exercise Performance: enhanced endurance and speed at sea level and high altitude

Recovery Techniques For Athletes

  • Cooling Strategies:
    • Cold water immersion or showering to reduce body temperature
    • Cooling garments or wraps to enhance heat loss
  • Hydration and Electrolyte Replacement:
    • Replenishing fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
    • Monitoring urine output and color to ensure adequate hydration
  • Compression Garments and Elevation:
    • Using compression clothing to improve blood flow and reduce swelling
    • Elevating legs to reduce gravity's impact on blood flow and promote recovery

Explore the processes of acclimatisation to heat and altitude, physiological responses to exercise, and strategies for recovery and improvement in athletic performance.

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