We read with interest the paper on "Smartwatch measurement of blood oxygen saturation for predicting acute mountain sickness: Diagnostic accuracy and reliability" recently published by Zeng and colleagues in Digital Health. This study demonstrated good reliability and high precision for measuring peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO) using Huawei smartwatches during a 1-wk high altitude exposure. In addition, SpO values recorded during the ascent to high altitude were predictive for the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRecently, chronic intermittent inhalation of low-dose carbon monoxide (CO) has been postulated as a practice to increase total hemoglobin mass with potential beneficial effects on endurance performance. In this perspective article, we discuss the potential performance enhancing capabilities as well as the safety concerns, which include individual variability in CO response, and acute and chronic health effects. It is also important to note that according to the World-Anti-Doping-Agency (WADA), CO inhalation could fall under "" and therefore could be considered a prohibited method if used as a non-diagnostic tool.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSupplemental oxygen (hyperoxia) improves physical performance during hypoxic exercise. Based on the analysis of metabolome and iron homeostasis from human athlete blood samples, we show that hyperoxia during recovery periods interferes with metabolic alterations following hypoxic exercise. This may impair beneficial adaptations to exercise and/or hypoxia and highlights risks of oxygen supplementation in hypoxia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA variable pacing profile is common in different endurance events. In these races, several factors, such as changes in elevation or race dynamics, lead participants to perform numerous surges in intensity. These surges are so frequent that certain events, such as cross-country (XC) skiing, mountain biking (MTB), triathlon, and road cycling, have been termed "intermittent endurance events".
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci
September 2024
The restorative effect of physical activity in alpine environments on mental and physical health is well recognized. However, a risk of accidents and post-accident mental health problems is inherent to every sport. We aimed to characterize mental health in individuals following mountain sport accidents requiring professional medical management.
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