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

Exercise 2

Why is sprint performance not affected by altitude?

Step 1 of 2

At higher altitudes, the density of air decreases. The atmospheric pressure also decreases which alters the partial pressures of gasses. The PO₂ decreases since atmospheric pressure decreases. This decrease of partial pressure has a direct effect on the haemoglobin saturation. Since the saturation of haemoglobin depends on PO₂ of oxygen, hypoxia results. The haemoglobin hardly gets saturated since the PO₂ of inspired air may be less than that of the exhaled air. This causes a decline in the athlete’s performance since VO₂ max decreases.