Hematological changes in athletic performance in horses in response to high altitude (3800 m)

Wickler SJ, & TP Anderson

Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol 279:R1176-R1181, 2000

Following high altitude acclimatization (3800m) six horses underwent post-exposure testing to determine the effect of acclimatization on standard hematological indices as well as low altitude athletic performance. Following 9 days of exposure to 3800 meters the horses had significant increases in red blood cell volume and 2,3 diphosphoglycerate/hemoglobin concentrations. Following high altitude acclimatization heart rate recovery post-exercise and lactate recovery were significantly faster, demonstrating improved aerobic performance at lower elevations.


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