MAXIMAL AND SUBMAXIMAL EXERCISE PERFORMANCE AT ALTITUDE

Background: Exercise performance data of numerous altitude research st udies and competitive sporting events of the last four decades are rev iewed. Methods: The primary focus is on the wide interindividual varia tion associated with maximal and submaximal exercise performance that occurs at different altitudes and for different periods of time at alt itude. Results: Fitness level, pre-exposure resident altitude, gender, and du ration of altitude exposure are qualitatively assessed to dete rmine their contribution to the overall variability. Of these, pre-alt itude exposure fitness level difference contributes the most variabili ty and gender difference contributes the least. It is also determined that beginning at an altitude of 580 m, maximal aerobic power (V) over dot O(2)max reduced and does not improve with extended exposure as lo ng as the individual's level of fitness level is not altered significa ntly by increases in activity, exercise training or by altitude-induce d physical deterioration. Submaximal exercise performance is also impa ired at altitude. Conclusion: By assessing the performance of elite at hletes, who are performing at an ''all-out'' effort in precisely timed events for which they are trained, it is determined that: a) the magn itude of submaximal exercise impairment is proportional to both the el evation and exercise duration at a given altitude; and b) submaximal e xercise performance at altitude can Improve with continued exposure wi thout an increase in (V) over dot O(2)max. Muscle strength, maximal mu scle power, and anaerobic performance at altitude are not affected as long as muscle mass is maintained. In addition, performance is not imp aired in athletic activities that have a minimal aerobic component and can be performed at high velocity (e.g., sprints).