Oxidative Stress

          Researchers believe that exercising in elevation causes a decrease in maximal oxygen consumption because of the decrease in inspired atmospheric oxygen pressure. This then causes oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the production of free radicals containing unpaired electrons in their outer orbits. This type of stress on the body can cause:

• Damage to cellular membrane
• Increased cellular swelling
• Damage to the cell DNA
• Muscle protein changes which lead to fatigue
• Symptoms associated with DOMS
• A longer recovery time
• Higher rate of injury

           According to ACSM guidelines, individuals exercising at high altitude environments are at great risk as physical and cognitive function decrease. As the workload and progression increase in elevation, the potential for an individual to develop oxidative stress continues to increase.  There is a reduction of the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood and at the alveolar level of the lungs. The body tries to compensate to offset this reduction through:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased ventilation rate
• Increased cardiac output
• A shift in the oxygen dissociation curve 

References

Mahady, Thomas P. "Training for Alpine Activities at High Altitude." ACSM's Certifited News,(Indianapolis) Apr.-June 2010, 20th ed., sec. 2: 12-14. www.acsm.org. Web, <http://certification.acsm.org/files/file/CNews20%202_web.pdf>.

Image retrieved from:
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/24/sports/la-sp-mammoth-olympics-20120325