Exercise performance reduction and preventive measures in highland sports

Area of Science:

• Environmental Physiology
• Sports Science
• Altitude Medicine

Background:

• Plateau environments present challenges: low pressure, low oxygen, low temperature, and high UV radiation.
• Reduced exercise performance on the plateau impacts residents and visitors, affecting explosive power, endurance, and fine motor skills.
• High altitude hypoxia poses risks, with performance decline escalating with altitude and exercise duration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore effective and economical methods for preventing and treating high-altitude hypoxia-induced injuries.
• To evaluate the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in improving exercise performance in plateau environments.
• To compare the efficacy of pharmacological interventions versus TCM for altitude adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing medical technologies and interventions for altitude acclimatization.
• Analysis of the mechanisms of action for chemical drugs in improving high-altitude exercise.
• Examination of the therapeutic principles and applications of single, patent, and compound Traditional Chinese Medicine preparations.

Main Results:

• In vitro interventions for altitude acclimatization are costly and have limited effects.
• Chemical drugs enhance high-altitude exercise by addressing cardiac and cerebral ischemia/hypoxia, improving ventilation, and aiding recovery.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine improves exercise performance through enhanced metabolism, muscle endurance, and immunity.

Conclusions:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine demonstrates significant advantages and promising prospects for mitigating exercise performance damage in high-altitude environments.
• TCM offers an economical and effective alternative to costly in vitro methods for altitude adaptation.
• Further research into TCM formulations can optimize strategies for individuals living or traveling to high-altitude regions.