Preparation For Performance

Question 1

What are the 3 ENVIRONMENTS that an athlete would PREPARE FOR?

Answer 1

• Altitude
• Humidity
• Heat

Question 2

Describe how ALTITUDE affects performance

Answer 2

• At higher altitudes, there is a lower partial pressure of oxygen
• This means less O2 is inhaled and diffused into RBC

Question 3

How does the BODY ACCLIMATISE to ALTITUDE?

Answer 3

• Kidneys send Erythropoietin to the bone marrow
• Where more RBC are produced, leading to more O2 carrying capacity
• So improved function of aerobic system

Question 4

Describe how HUMIDITY affects PERFORMANCE

Answer 4

• Hyperthermia, air is more moist slowing the evaporation of sweat from skin
• Body cools slower so core temp increases
• Dehydration, increased blood viscosity so less O2 delivered to working muscles

Question 5

Describe how HEAT affects PERFORMANCE

Answer 5

• Over-heating
• Increased perspiration so dehydration potentially causing heat stroke
• Decrease in muscular power output

Question 6

How does the BODY ACCLIMATISE to HEAT and HUMIDITY?

Answer 6

• Increase plasma volume so delayed dehydration
• Increased sweating for thermoregulation
• Lower functional HR for better exercise economy