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Brazilians athletes will need a larger acclimatization period than those who
come from temperate climate regions; besides altitude, it must be considered
that local temperature/humidity on September/ October period, are out of confort
zone range of natives from tropical and subtropical areas. It is supposed, also,
that the athletes from southern part of the country have better results in this
processing. The functional acclimatization period – the minimum required to
attain maximum efficiency in the new local conditions – will probably range from
3 to 5 weeks. However, a 2 or 3 weeks period on high levels (up to 2800m) before
departure, and short training sessions and competitions at altitudes will improve
the processing conditions.
Possibly, the most part of the research works on the subject of acclimatization
in Mexico was distorted due to the changes in time zones. Our specific experiments
on that matter, connected to the same physiological parameters normally
established in Mexico, in relation of a region at sea level, four time zones eastward
and similar climatic conditions pointed out particularly importance variations.
No matter the imponderability of biometeorogical experimentation and the
consequent skepticism toward such results, it would be advisable to condicionate
our athletes – at long range – to the Mexican time.
Physical fitness is an absolute “must” on the training program. On the other
hand, the training methods must be well adjusted on the matter of loads and
intervals while performing in mountain stages and during the acclimatization
period. Low-pressure chambers are very useful to prepare and to observe the
athlete submitted to hipoxy. Even far from optimum simulation of acclimatization
some physiological parameters are satisfactorily attained and individual reactions
to altitude can be efficiently tested.
Some preventive measures must be taken – from the departure day – regarding
diarrhea. It is necessary to keep in mind that such illness might rend the athlete
useless from competition and that Brazilian athlete’s resistance to the “turista” cannot
be trusted. There must be a strict discipline on food and drink consumption, as a
safety measure. The low level of humidity in the air will cause a permanent status of
dehydration. The athletes must be advised to drink water preferably between meals.
Is is also advisable to use portable humidifiers (humidors) in the rooms.
The adaptability to altitude will be affected by organic disturbances that will
require for clinical surveillance. Anomalous athletes must be dismissed before
departure and vaccination is to be planned in advance. When in high levels, care
should be taken to choose high carbohydrate food. During adaptation period it is
expected a substantical raise in food consumption. In Mexico, this increase in
our athletes specifically will be related to all meals, except dinner.
The “Altitude Training” method uses altitude as a training load to develop
resistance and endurance. Basically, the utilization of altitude for this type of
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