Physiological and performance changes of elite ice hockey players in response to acute exposure to moderate altitude
Date
1992
Authors
Wolski, Lynneth Ann
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Abstract
The purpose was to determine if a change in altitude from 850m to 1650m would cause acute physiological and performance changes in elite male ice hockey players and to determine if initial acclimatization to the higher altitude could be accomplished in a three day stay at that altitude. To do this, 17 trained male ice hockey players were studied at rest, during submaximal exercise and during on-ice performance at 850m and for three days at 1650m. Resting blood samples were analyzed for hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), total white blood cell count (TWB) and differentials. Plasma volume decreased 5% (p<0.05) during exposure to altitude and Hct and Hb both showed corresponding increases from 44±2% to 46±1 % and 15.1g ⋅ 100mL⁻¹ to 15.7g ⋅ 100mL⁻¹ respectively (p<0.05). TWB did not change significantly, however, neutrophils showed a 30.2% decrease and lymphocytes a 30.5% increase by day 3 at altitude (p<0.05). Upon exposure to altitude resting heart rate (HR) increased from 56±9 beats·min to 60±1 0 beats·min (p<0.05), but had decreased back to pre-altitude levels by day 2 at altitude. Resting percent oxygen saturation (SaO₂) did not change significantly. Submaximal exercise responses, ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO₂), HR, SaO₂, and blood lactate concentration (BL) were measured using a cycling protocol. VE and VO₂ increased 5.0% and 7 .9% respectively on day 1 at altitude (p<0.05). HR was not significantly different at altitude at the same workload compared to the pre-altitude test. SaO₂ measured during the last minute of exercise decreased 3% from the pre-test value of 94% on days 1 and 2 (91%) at altitude (p<0.05), but by day 3 had increased back to the pre-altitude level. BL decreased by 1.0 mmol·L⁻¹ by day 2 at altitude (p<0.05). On-ice performance variables, agility tests, 60 and 120 ft sprint and drop-off tests and HR and SaO₂ were measured at 850m and 1450m altitude. The pre and post-sprint agility tests were slower (3% and 2% respectively) on day 1 at altitude (p<0.05). At altitude, the pre/post-sprint agility test difference was not significantly different (p>0.05). The 60 ft and 120 ft sprint times and drop-off times were not significantly altered by altitude (p>0.05). Recovery HR following the repeated sprint test was not significantly different at altitude, but SaO₂ at 15, 30 and 60 seconds recovery was significantly lower on days 1 and 2 at altitude. These findings suggest that there are some selected physiological responses in elite ice hockey players with acute exposure to moderate altitude and that some initial acclimatization does occur within 3 days of exposure. Furthermore, there did appear to be a related decrease in some of the aerobic aspects of on-ice performance.
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UN SDG 14: Life Below Water