Impact of outdoor activities in the middle mountains on athletes' functional status

The goal of the trial is to study the impact of outdoor activities on athletes' functional status and physical performance during their stay in the middle mountains and the subsequent readaptation period. Materials and Methods. The study involved nine male athletes aged 19-22, specializing in middle- and long-distance running. The studies were carried out during the transitional period of the annual training cycle in Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic) during a three-week stay in the middle mountains (2000 m) and after returning to the foothills (6th and 20th-21st days of readaptation). During the trial, an outdoor activity regimen was established (alternative motor activity types). During athletes' stay in the middle mountains (1st-2nd, 6th, 10th, and 18th days) and readaptation period (6th-7th and 20th-21st days), cardiorespiratory system status, respiratory function, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) were evaluated. Results. While staying in the middle mountains, athletes demonstrated an increase in external respiration reserves (maximum breathing capacity and functional respiration level), an increase in inotropic and a decrease in chronotropic mechanisms of cardiac activity regulation, and the oxygen-transport blood function optimization (Hb content). VO2max decreased on the 1st-10th days of staying in the middle mountains and returned to the baseline on the 18th day. During the readaptation period (6th day), aerobic capacity (VO2max) increased by 9.7 % (pth day) and exceeded the baseline in the foothills by 5.7 % (pth-21st days of readaptation, aerobic capacity level did not differ from the baseline. Conclusion. Outdoor activities in the middle mountains can be an effective means to keep athletes' functional status during the transition period of the annual training cycle.