Advanced Kinesiology: Exercise Science and Altitude Acclimatization

Leadville, CO holds the title of the highest resident altitude in the US with an elevation of around 7200ft above sea level and a barometric pressure of approximately 500mmHg. While Mount McKinley in Alaska is the highest peak in North America, Leadville has the highest inhabited residential area. Aspen, CO is known for its ski resorts and high altitude, but Leadville surpasses it in terms of residential altitude. Taos, New Mexico also sits at a high altitude, but it falls just short of the highest resident altitude in the US held by Leadville, CO.

Acclimatization involves a series of physiological adaptations in response to changes in environmental conditions to maintain homeostasis. The correct answer highlights the key adjustments that occur during acclimatization, leading to improved oxygen transport and overall performance in various physiological systems.

A left shift on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve indicates that the primary effect of altitude exposure is the increased ability of hemoglobin to bind oxygen.

Hyperventilation at high altitudes leads to an increased alveolar oxygen concentration and dilution of CO2, resulting in a decrease in PCO2 levels. This causes the blood pH to rise, becoming more alkaline. The body acclimatizes to this by the kidneys excreting HCO3.

During acclimatization, the body adapts to new environmental conditions, affecting various physiological processes. The correct answer highlights the impact of acid-base equilibrium on OBLA and anaerobic endurance, showcasing how changes in these equilibria can influence performance outcomes.

The correct answer is that natives of Andes have a higher O2 carrying capacity due to increased blood oxygen content at higher altitudes, leading to improved oxygenation of arterial blood despite lower oxygen saturation levels.

Cellular adaptations to acclimatization involve changes in capillary concentration, myoglobin levels, and 2,3-DPG to facilitate oxygen transport and utilization in muscle tissue.

The 4 H's associated with altitude illnesses are hypoxia, hypoventilation, hypohydration, and hypoglycemia. These factors can impact individuals at high altitudes and are influenced by elevation, speed of ascent, and duration at altitude.

Acute exposure to altitude typically leads to an increase in resting and submax heart rate, increased blood pressure, and increased catecholamine secretion, among other effects. Therefore, options like decreased resting heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and decreased catecholamine secretion are incorrect choices.

The correct circulatory response to acute altitude exposure includes an increased submax heart rate and cardiac output to compensate for the lower oxygen levels in the blood, while stroke volume remains unchanged. During exercise, increased heart rate does not fully compensate for the lower oxygen levels, leading to reduced VO2 max and exercise capacity.

The correct answer explains how reduced PO2 stimulates chemoreceptors leading to increased alveolar ventilation and oxygen loading in the lungs. The incorrect answers provide misleading information to test the understanding of the concept.

Altitude can have significant effects on sports performance due to changes in gravity, air density, and oxygen levels. Understanding these impacts is crucial for athletes to optimize their training and competition strategies.

The correct principle behind 'live high train high' is that athletes experience performance benefits when they both live and train at high altitudes due to physiological adaptations that occur.

The training principle 'live high train low' involves living at high altitudes but training at lower altitudes to stimulate adaptations in the body, particularly increasing oxygen transport to tissues. It's based on the concept that some individuals respond positively to this training approach while others do not show significant improvements.

Acute mountain sickness is the most common altitude illness characterized by various symptoms and requires specific treatments and prevention methods as listed in the correct answer.

High altitude pulmonary edema is a condition that can occur in individuals exposed to high altitudes, typically when descending to lower altitudes and then returning. It is non-cardiogenic in nature and is related to physical exertion. While it can affect anyone exposed to any altitude, it is more common in men and shows no gender difference in children.

High altitude pulmonary edema is characterized by various factors such as blood thickening, capillary clumping, and fluid buildup in the alveoli which result in restricted air exchange and potential pulmonary failure.

High altitude pulmonary edema is a serious condition that can occur at high altitudes when the body is unable to acclimatize to the decreased oxygen levels. The symptoms typically include a dry cough, dyspnea, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, audible wheezing, and in severe cases, coma. It is important to recognize these symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing them at high altitudes.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) requires specific treatment and prevention strategies as mentioned in the correct answer. Exposure to extreme cold temperatures, consuming caffeinated beverages, and engaging in strenuous physical activity at high altitudes can exacerbate the condition and are not recommended measures for treatment or prevention.

Internal heat production primarily occurs through metabolic processes involving ATP production and muscle contractions.

Heat loss can occur through a variety of mechanisms including conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation. Reflection, absorption, and insulation do not directly result in heat loss.

Heat loss during exercise can have various negative effects on the body, including increased caloric expenditure, shivering, impaired fine motor control, cognition, emotional decrements, and potential cold injury or hypothermia. These effects can impact performance and overall health during exercise.

Cold temperature can have varied effects on muscular endurance, with light cooling potentially enhancing endurance but significant cold temperatures impairing it. It is important to consider the specific temperature thresholds when evaluating the impact of cold on muscular endurance.

Cold temperature affects muscular power by causing a decrease in power output. This is commonly observed in activities such as jumping and sprinting where a decrease of 4-5% per degree Celsius has been noted.

Heat transfer occurs more rapidly in colder air due to the difference in temperature. Cold air can absorb heat more efficiently than warm air, leading to faster heat transfer. This phenomenon is also observed in cold water where heat transfer is significantly faster.

When immersed in cold water, it is important to follow specific techniques to increase chances of survival. Swimming vigorously can lead to faster heat loss, drinking cold water can lower body temperature, and removing clothing can lead to increased heat loss. The correct techniques involve keeping your head out of the water, treading with legs instead of arms, huddling with others if available, and maintaining stillness to prevent further heat loss.