Question

When track meets are held at altitude, the sprint performances are usually better than at sea level because of the

a. lower PO2 of inspired oxygen.
b. greater reliance on creatine phosphate for energy.
c. greater reliance on anaerobic glycolysis for energy.
d. lower air density.

Answer 1

Sprint performances are usually better at altitude due to lower oxygen partial pressure (PO2) of inspired oxygen.

Step-by-step explanation:

When track meets are held at altitude, the sprint performances are usually better than at sea level due to lower oxygen partial pressure (PO2) of inspired oxygen. The lower PO2 at altitude means that there is a smaller difference in partial pressures between the alveoli and the blood, resulting in less oxygen crossing the respiratory membrane and binding to hemoglobin. As a result, a greater proportion of oxygen molecules are released into the tissues at high altitudes, allowing sprinters to perform better.