Influence of Altitude and Environmental Temperature on Muscle Functional and Mechanical Activation After 30' Time Trial Run

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of altitude and environmental temperature on muscle mechanical and functional activation after 30' Time Trial run (30' TT). Twenty physical active males (Age= 20.4 ±3.21 years, VO2max= 47.2 ±5.2 ml/kg/min) performed a 30' TT in three different conditions of altitude and temperature: Control Condition [CC] (1137 m.a.s.l. at 26 ±1.5°C), Heat-Low Condition [HLC] (3 m.a.s.l. at 30.5 ±0.6°C), and Cool-High Condition [CHC] (2369 m.a.s.l. at 14.2 ±0.6°C). Tensiomyography (TMG), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) were measured pre and post running. During the 30' TT, distance, speed, heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and thermal index (WBGT) were measured. Results show a significant decrease in body weight and a significant increase in DOMS and jump height in CMJ after running in each condition. TMG responses increased maximum radial muscle displacement (Dm) and decreased muscle contraction time (Tc) both rectus and biceps femoris muscles after running. During the 30' TT, the results did not show a significant difference in RPE, HR, distance, and speed among conditions. In conclusion, altitude and temperature seem not to significantly affect the mechanical and functional responses 30' TT, despite the tendency of HLC to decrease both activation and performance.