Maximal exercise during hypobaric hypoxia (447 Torr) in moderate-altitude natives

Six low-altitude natives (LAN) (373 m or less, aged 19-25 yr) and eight moderate-altitude natives (MAN) (1830-2200 m, aged 19-23 yr) were studied at both their residence (home) altitude (740 Torr and 587 Torr, respectively) and in a hypobaric chamber at a simulated altitude of 4270 m (447 Torr). Following a 2-d adaptation period, subjects performed an incremented test on the cycle ergometer until voluntary exhaustion. Significantly (P less than 0.05) greater differences in percent change of maximum exercise variables (total exercise time, exercise intensity, VO2, VCO2, VE/VO2 and HR) were noted in the LAN group than in the MAN group, going from their residence altitude to 447 Torr. The decrement in VO2max was 15% in the MAN group compared to 34% in the LAN group. The anaerobic threshold (% VO2max), estimated from VE BTPS measurements, was similar in both groups at residence altitude and at 447 Torr. In the morning prior to exercise testing at 447 Torr, LAN subjects reported greater (P less than 0.001) symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) than MAN subjects. Our results indicate that, with respect to maximum exercise performance, moderate-altitude natives are at an advantage during early adaptation to hypobaric hypoxia.