Int J Sports Med 2006; 27(8): 629-635
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-872823
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Short-Term Acclimatization to Altitude (3200 m) on Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Performance

M. Burtscher1 , M. Faulhaber1 , M. Flatz1 , R. Likar1 , W. Nachbauer1
  • 1Department of Sport Science, Medical Section, University of Innsbruck, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: July 15, 2005

Publication Date:
24 November 2005 (online)

Abstract

Aerobic exercise performance decreases upon ascent to altitude whereas anaerobic performance remains unchanged. Although the effects of 1 - 3 wk of altitude acclimatization on both aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance have been well studied, the effects of short-term altitude acclimatization (i.e., 45 h) on these parameters have not been well defined. Therefore, both aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance was evaluated in five healthy men (51.4 ± 7.7 years, 175 ± 4.2 cm, and 73.8 ± 6.1 kg) at low altitude (LA, 600 m), upon acute exposure (∼ 1 - 3 h) to 3200 m (HA1) and on the third day of altitude exposure (HA3, 3200 m). Subjects performed three consecutive exercise tests, separated by ∼ 1 - 3 h of rest, of various durations (i.e., 30 s, 5 min, and 50 min) on a cycle ergometer in each environmental condition. Anaerobic cycling performance (i. e., 30 s) was the same at LA, HA1, and HA3. Aerobic cycling performance (i. e., 5 min and 50 min) was reduced by 12.0 and 11.3 %, respectively, upon acute exposure to altitude. There was no change in the 5-min cycling performance but the 50-min cycling performance improved by 5.7 % from HA1 to HA3 which implies a 50 % recovery of the initial loss. These findings are important for individuals going to high altitude for work, for athletic competition, or recreation.

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MD, PhD Martin Burtscher

Department of Sport Science
Medical Section, University of Innsbruck

Fürstenweg 185

6020 Innsbruck

Austria

Phone: + 435125074496

Fax: + 43 51 25 07 26 56

Email: martin.burtscher@uibk.ac.at