Correct option is B
Increased erythropoietin (EPO) production is the primary physiological adaptation during altitude training.
Mechanism: 1. Low Oxygen Availability:
· At high altitudes, oxygen levels in the air are lower, leading to reduced oxygen in the blood (hypoxia).
2. EPO Secretion:
· The kidneys respond to hypoxia by secreting erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell (RBC) production in the bone marrow.
3. Increased Oxygen-Carrying Capacity:
· The increase in RBCs enhances the blood's ability to transport oxygen, improving endurance performance when returning to lower altitudes.
Explanation of Other Options: · (a) Increased muscle mass:
· Not a primary adaptation. In fact, prolonged altitude exposure may result in muscle mass loss due to increased metabolic demands.
· (c) Decreased lung capacity:
· Lung capacity does not decrease; instead, ventilation increases to compensate for lower oxygen levels.
· (d) Decreased heart rate:
· Initially, heart rate increases to meet oxygen demands. Over time, resting heart rate may normalize but does not decrease as a primary adaptation.
Correct Answer:
(b) Increases erythropoietin
Information Booster 1. Key Adaptations to Altitude Training:
· Increased erythropoietin (EPO) production.
· Increased red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.
· Enhanced capillary density.
· Improved mitochondrial efficiency in muscles.
2. Benefits for Athletes:
· Altitude training is used to improve endurance performance by enhancing oxygen delivery to muscles.
3. Live High, Train Low:
· This method combines living at high altitudes (to stimulate RBC production) with training at lower altitudes (to maintain workout intensity).