THE EFFECT OF ALTITIDUE ON MATCH DAY HIGH SPEED RUNNING (M/PM) DISTANCE

Casey Chapman A0095194

The report shows data from Philadelphia Union soccer team from match day data at different altitudes. The overall findings suggest that players maintained a high speed running distance no matter the altitude played at. However the breathing RPE and leg fatigue increased, especially at high altitude.

Implying that altitude was not affecting the running performance of the players but was infact having a greater effect on the difficulty of how the game felt on the breath and legs.

Altitude VS High Speed Running Distance:

Sea level has a higher variable of high speed running. At high altitude the variable is less then at sea level but more then at low altitude. Low altitude has the lowest high speed running distance.

Median high-speed running distance on match day:

  • sea level - 110 m/min

  • low level - 108 m/min

  • high level - 106 m/min

Breath RPE vs Altitude:

At sea level breathing was moderately hard for most people, but a few found it a lot easier. At low altitude the breathing difficulty was slightly higher on average but much more inconsistent. At high altitude a strong cluster of results suggest that everyone reported a high breathing difficulty.

  • RPE rose from 75 at sea level to 90 at high altitude.

Leg RPE compared to Breath RPE at different altitudes:

During each altitudes there is a strong positive correlation between breathing difficulty and leg fatigue.

Breathing rate increases = leg fatigue increases

Summary & Evidence Based Recommendations:

When playing at a higher altitude the oxygen level in the air is reduced. Due to the reduced oxygen levels players will feel more breathless and muscle fatigue will happen faster due to the reduced oxygen supply. Overall this should not impact the high speed sprinting distracted dramatically but will impact accelerating and quick movements as legs will start to feel heavier

When the RPE of breathlessness increased RPE in thier legs also increased. Suggestining the players where experising more leg fatigue at high altitude. In past studies is been proven that due to the reduced oxygen delivery to the muscle it leads to a faster accumulation of lactate and other metabolites. Which will quicken the fatiguing processes but is also likely to level players with post match soreness.

Recommendation for playing at high altitudes;

Coach’s should consider different strategies when training there players at altitude or when match days fall at a higher altitude level.

  • Allow Players time to adapt to the altitude level by having them complete a session or generally just allow them to settle before match day to adapt to oxygen levels.

  • Adapt new breathing techniques; Help players when resting during the game, having respiratory efficiency can help to reduce the feeling of breathlessness.

  • Nutrition Intervention: Ensure that energy levels are high and players are hydrated, this will also ensure that oxygen transport is been supported.

  • Training adjustments - Changing the intensity and duration of training to support the higher levels of fatigue that that occurs at altitude.

Thank you.