The effects of high altitude on some physical and physiological parameters of Physical Education and Sport High School

89 7. SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of high altitude on some physical and physiological parameters of Gazi University Kastamonu School of Physical Education and Sport female students aged 20-25. For this purpose resting heart rate, resting blood pressures, blood parameters, body weight, body fat percent, reaction time, aerobic and anaerobic power were measured in 15 individuals before, during and after 18 days of altitude at 2850 m. The statistical analysis of datas were done by using student's t-test, Repeated Measure Analysis of Variance(ANOVA) and Tukey tests. The resting heart rate had increased significantly(P<0,001) above pre- altitude values( mean 77,066 ± 5,119 pulse/min ) on day 2 at altitude (mean 84,266 ± 4,339 pulse/min). During altitude camp resting heart rate continued to decrease and on day 7 (mean 80,533 ± 4,748 pulse/min)at altitude it had returned their pre-altitude levels. The haemoglobin concentration (Hb) increased significantly(P<0,001) from pre-altitude (mean 12,886 ± 0,878 g/100 ml) to post- altitude( mean 14,066 ± 0,869 g/100ml). The hematocrit increased significantly(P<0,05) from pre-altitude (mean 36,320 ± 1,943 %) to post-altitude (mean 38,246 ± 2,541%). The aerobic power increased significantly(P<0,001) from pre-altitude (mean 37,533 ± 4,399 ml/kg/min)to post-altitude (mean 41,953 ± 3,858 ml/kg/min). There were no significant changes in leucocytes and erythrocyte counts, reaction time, resting blood pressures, body weight, percent of body fat, reaction time and anaerobic power pre-altitude to post-altitude.