Evaluation of the Physiological Challenges in Extreme Environments: Implications for Enhanced Training, Operational Performance and Sex-Specific Responses
Abstract
The specific aim of the first segment of this project series was to determine the potentially deleterious effects of extreme environments on physiological health and protection. Recreationally active males (n=8) and females (n=8) completed three randomized and counterbalanced trials across varied recovery environmental conditions (normobaric hypoxia, 975 m; hypobaric hypoxia, 4420 m; and normobaric hypoxia, 4420 m). Exercise was identical for each of the three conditions (60 minutes of cycling at 70% VO2 peak at 975 m). Muscle samples (v. lateralis) were obtained pre-exercise and 4 hours post exercise for evaluation of gene activation response. Blood samples were obtained pre-exercise and 0, 2, and 4 hours post-exercise for markers of oxidative stress. The blood samples have yet to be fully analyzed. Muscle gene responses to exercise and recovery demonstrated minimal deleterious responses due to altitude exposure. Markers of muscle growth and breakdown were minimally altered by altitude stress. Similarly, oxygen sensing/delivery genes and mitochondrial gene responses were not altered by altitude stress. Moreover, there were no differences across sex. While prior research has clearly demonstrated impairments to performance and altitude oriented losses in skeletal muscle mass and function, the present results from year 1 suggest that an impaired skeletal gene response to altitude can be offset with appropriate exercise intervention. Exercise intervention and appropriate physical training programs may act to minimize expected losses in skeletal muscle health and function during high altitude staging and operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1045217
Entities
People
- Brent C. Ruby
- Dustin Slivka
Organizations
- University of Montana system