Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 3

Explain why maximal aerobic power decreases at altitude and what effect this has on performance in long-distance races.

Step 1 of 2

Aerobic performance that lasts more than two minutes primarily depends on oxygen dependent energy generation. Therefore, at higher altitudes, the decreased PO2 affects the saturation of haemoglobin, and thus, results in decreased delivery of oxygen to the tissues. This has an effect similar to that of detraining in which there is a decrease in maximal aerobic power. VO2 max decreases linearly with altitude and has great influence on endurance performance.