The evolution of
simulated altitude
training chambers
are becoming
commonplace in
commercial gyms.
What is altitude training versus
simulated altitude training? Is simulated altitude training SAT
suitable for everyone?
Traditionally, altitude training involved
travelling to venues around the world
that are located 1800m or move above
sea level to take advantage of changes
in the environment to stimulate
accelerated responses to exercise. This
traditional approach of training was and
still is used by athletes who were
endeavouring to improve performance
through changes in the oxygen-carrying
capacity of their blood to increase
VO2max. There is a well-recognised
measure of aerobic endurance
capacity. The air we breathe at sea
level is roughly 79% Nitrogen 20.9%
oxygen and a mix of smaller gasses.
Fundamentally, simulated altitude
training (SAT) involves reducing the
amount of oxygen in the room to mimic
the terrestrial altitude environment. The
evolution of SAT chambers that are now
becoming commonplace in commercial
gyms and training centres have
provided an opportunity for everyone to
experience the benefits of exercising in a
low oxygen environment. As a general rule, SAT is a suitable form
of training for most populations. However
certain populations should obtain a
medical clearance prior to undertaking
exercise in a SAT chamber. For
example, anyone taking any prescribed
medication that may have an impact
upon exercise has current injuries or a
known or suspected cardiovascular,
pulmonary, neurological, metabolic
or musculoskeletal conditions. Caution
should also be taken during pregnancy,
with children and anyone demonstrating
signs or symptoms of an acute illness
such as colds and flu.
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In the absence of the aforementioned
circumstances that require medical
clearance prior to undertaking SAT,
whether an individual is exercising to
decrease body fat, improve lean muscle
mass, increase their endurance or
improve their exercise capacity, then
simulated altitude training is a suitable
option for most people.
Should a pre-assessment be
undertaken prior to embarking
on altitude training and if so,
what should it involve?
Yes, anyone commencing an exercise
programme for the first time, or if they
have not exercised in a SAT chamber
previously should undertake a pre-
assessment to ensure they get the most
out of their program. Individuals with
pre-existing medical conditions or taking
any
prescribed medication that may have
an impact upon exercise should speak
to their general practitioner and obtain
a clearance where required. A pre-
screening assessment should include
a pre-exercise questionnaire known in
the fitness industry as a physical activity
readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q). In
addition to the adult pre-exercise
screening tool developed by Exercise
and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
as part of the pre-screening process,
individuals should also undertake a
passive exposure test, followed by
an active altitude tolerance test that
involves an incremental exercise regime
to determine an individual’s response to
the SAT environment.
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