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Thoraco-abdominal coordination and performance during uphill running at altitude
Eva Bernardi1, Lorenza Pratali2, Gaia Mandolesi1
1Biomedical Sport Studies Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
Plos One
|April 1, 2017
Summary
Reduced thoraco-abdominal coordination during uphill running leads to less efficient breathing and lower oxygen saturation (SpO2). This impacts endurance performance in high-altitude trail races.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Altitude Training
Background:
- Mountain trail running at high altitudes is increasingly popular.
- Exercise at altitude increases ventilatory demands due to hypoxia and exertion.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the link between thoraco-abdominal coordination, breathing patterns, SpO2, and performance in uphill running.
- Analyze how these factors change during high-intensity uphill exercise at altitude.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen runners completed a "Vertical Kilometer" (1000m climb, >30% slope).
- Portable respiratory inductive plethysmography, pulse oximetry, and GPS were used.
- Evaluated ventilatory patterns, thoraco-abdominal coordination (phase angle), SpO2, and respiratory function.
Main Results:
- Increased slope (>30%) led to reduced thoraco-abdominal coordination (higher phase angle).
- Reduced coordination correlated with inefficient breathing (higher VE/VT ratio) and lower SpO2.
- Lower SpO2 was linked to decreased running speeds and interstitial pulmonary edema.
Conclusions:
- Decreased thoraco-abdominal coordination impairs breathing efficiency and SpO2 during uphill running.
- These physiological changes can negatively affect endurance performance in challenging trail running conditions.