High Altitude Effects on Aerobic Performance

Aerobic Performance at High Altitude

• Reduced atmospheric \text{O}_2 → harder to sustain aerobic metabolism
• Endurance sports (e.g., long-distance running, cycling) most affected
• Consequences: quicker fatigue, slower recovery, performance decline

Adaptations & High-Altitude Training

• Living/training high, competing low = "live high–train low" strategy
  • Hypoxia stimulates \text{EPO} release → \uparrow red-blood-cell (RBC) production
  • Result: greater \text{O}_2-carrying capacity when returning to sea level
• Performance gain: higher VO$_2$ max, delayed fatigue, improved stamina

Haemoglobin & Oxygen Transport

• Haemoglobin (Hb): protein in RBCs that binds \text{O}2 and carries \text{CO}2 back to lungs
• Higher Hb levels
  • \uparrow \text{O}_2 delivery to muscles
  • Enhanced aerobic capacity & endurance
• Lower Hb levels / anaemia
  • \downarrow \text{O}_2 transport
  • Early fatigue, reduced performance

Implications for Endurance Athletes

• Tour de France: riders with higher Hb sustain higher intensities longer
• Monitoring Hb & employing altitude camps can confer competitive advantage