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Exercise-induced hypoxaemia in highly trained athletes.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Highly trained athletes may experience exercise-induced hypoxemia, where low oxygen levels occur during intense exercise. This suggests the pulmonary system can limit maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in elite athletes.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Pulmonary Function
Background:
- Traditionally, the pulmonary system was not considered a VO2max limiter in healthy individuals.
- Recent evidence indicates arterial hypoxemia during heavy exercise in highly trained athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of exercise-induced hypoxemia in elite athletes.
- To determine if the pulmonary system limits VO2max in highly trained individuals.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent evidence regarding exercise-induced hypoxemia.
- Analysis of factors contributing to arterial desaturation during maximal exercise.
Main Results:
- Arterial hypoxemia is observed in well-trained individuals with high VO2max.
- Desaturation is inversely related to VO2max and potentially linked to limited hyperventilation.
- Diffusion limitations and ventilation-perfusion inequality are primary causes, not hypoventilation or shunts.
Conclusions:
- The pulmonary system may be a limiting factor for VO2max in some highly trained athletes.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the pulmonary system's role in maximal exercise.
- Exercise-induced hypoxemia in elite athletes warrants continued investigation.