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Int J Sports Med 1982; 03(1): 33-36
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1026059
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Ventilatory Work During Exercise at High Altitude

P. Mognoni, F. Saibene, A. Veicsteinas
  • Centro Studi di Fisiologia del Lavoro Muscolare del C.N.R., Milano, Italy, and Istituto di Fisiologia Umana (Cattedra IIÎ), Universitä di Milano, via Mangiagalli 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Oxygen consumption, ventilation, and dynamic respiratory work were measured in three male subjects during cycling at 122 and 3500 m above sea level (ASL). At a given ventilation the dynamic respiratory work was 20% less at 3500 m ASL; this change was due to a decrease of airway resistance. At a given submaximal exercise intensity, the respiratory work was significantly higher at 3500 m ASL (+ 140%-180%); hence, the increase of ventilation was not compensated for by the decrease of airway resistance. At Vojimax the respiratory work was predicted to reach its maximal value at 5800 m ASL where it was 30% higher than at sea level.

Key words

cost of breathing - airway resistance - air density