Open AccessEffectiveness of the hypoxic exercise test to predict altitude illness and performance at moderate altitude in high‐level swimmers
Author(s) -
Pla Robin,
Brocherie Franck,
Le Garrec Sébastien,
Richalet JeanPaul
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
physiological reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 39
ISSN - 2051-817X
DOI - 10.14814/phy2.14390
Subject(s) - pulse oximetry , altitude (triangle) , effects of high altitude on humans , altitude training , medicine , oxygen saturation , population , physical therapy , hypoxia (environmental) , test (biology) , biology , ecology , oxygen , environmental health , anesthesia , athletes , mathematics , chemistry , organic chemistry , anatomy , geometry
Abstract Purpose The hypoxic exercise test is used to predict the susceptibility to severe High Altitude Illness (SHAI). In the present study, we aimed to use this test to predict the changes in performance and the physiological responses to moderate altitude in elite swimmers. Methods Eighteen elite swimmers performed a hypoxic exercise test at sea level before a moderate 12‐day altitude training camp (1,850 m) to determine if they were susceptible or not to SHAI. A maximal swimming performance test was conducted before (at sea level), during (at 1,850 m), and after (at sea level) the intervention. Arterial oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry), Lake Louise score, and quality of sleep questionnaire were collected every morning. The participants were classified in two groups, those who had a moderate to high risk of SHAI (SHAI score ≥ 3) and those who had a low risk of SHAI (SHAI score < 3). Results Seven swimmers presented a high risk of SHAI including three of them with a SHAI score > 5. Pearson correlations indicated that SHAI score was strongly correlated with the decrease in swimming performance at altitude ( r = .60, p < .01). Arterial oxygen saturation during the hypoxic exercise test was the physiological variable that was best related to performance decrease at altitude ( r = .54, p < .05). No differences were observed for Lake Louise score and quality of sleep between swimmers who suffered from SHAI or not ( p > .1). Conclusion In a population of elite swimmers, the combination of clinical and physiological variables (SHAI score , oxygen desaturation) estimated the performance decrease at moderate altitude. The hypoxic exercise test could allow coaches and scientists to better determine the individual response of their athletes and manage the altitude acclimatization.