Studia Kinanthropologica

Studia Kinanthropologica 2014, 15(2):89-94

Total body water as the indicator of an acclimatization in altitude

M. Semerád^1,*, P. Bahenský²

¹ Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Fakulta tělesné výchovy a sportu, Laboratoř sportovní motoriky

² Jihočeská univerzita v Českých Budějovicích, Pedagogická fakulta, Katedra tělesné výchovy a sportu

The aim of the work was to observe the modifications of Total Body Water (TBW) during training camps of endurance runners at the different levels of altitude (Czech Republic's altitude 1 000 m, Morroco's altitude1 770 m). The same intervention programme was applied. The goal of this experiment was to find out if modifications of TBW could be used for the indication course in the acclimatization and adaptation. The measuring was of Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA) method with the Bodystat 1500 apparatus. The results of measuring proved nearly identical response of TBW to the training load in above mentioned locations of the camps. An achievement of retention peak differentieted according to the location. An increase of TBW was in altitude of 1000 metres above sea level 1,7-2,1 l. In an altitude of 1770 metres above the sea level was a maximum increase 5,0-6,9 l. The reactions of a body during runner's training in diverse altitude differentiate from the point of TBW's view. In the central range (1 000 metres above sea level) after acheiving the maximum individual value of TBW (5th day), subsequently came a continual decrease with the trend of the second increasing wave. In higher altitude of 1 770 metres above sea level, after achieving the retention peak ( 8th up to 11th day) came a progressive decrease of TBW value above the level of 'incoming' figures. We found the connection between the time essential for an attainment of maximum individual value of TBW and altitude.

Keywords: altitude; total body water (TBW); bioelectrical impedance (BIA); acclimatization

Published: September 30, 2014  Show citation