Acclimatizing to Altitude

[Gumby]

Since we have been cursed in DEN (0-4 playoffs); and one of most consistent if not the biggest issue often is altitude change. … I thought it deserves its own thread. Already been mentioned in Hou GDT & postgame thread. Some even suggested early flight, others saying is no difference til day 3 so don’t bother.

How SHOULD the Pats deal with it????

I think (after 30 sec of AI research LOL), you have three choices:
1. DO NOTHING. Routine is everything. Business as normal is best.
2. FLY BY WED! Someone needs 72 hours to get over initial altitude issues.
Some may only 24 hrs, but to cover 46 different body reactions, a Wed flight gets you 72 for all guys.
3. RENT 50+ OXYGEN TENTS!!

Acclimatizing for sports at altitude involves
short-term adjustment (days) and long-term adaptation (weeks), with most feeling better in 1-3 days for initial comfort, but full physiological adaptation taking 2-4 weeks to produce more red blood cells for optimal performance. For events, arriving 2 weeks prior is ideal for significant adaptation, though showing up just days before can help avoid the worst initial symptoms, while adjusting workouts by slowing pace is crucial initially.

Short-Term Acclimatization (Days 1-3)

• Initial Adjustment: Your body starts adapting to less oxygen within 24 hours, with symptoms (headache, fatigue) often peaking between 24-72 hours.
• Feeling Better: Many athletes feel more comfortable and functional within 1-3 days, allowing for light activity.
• Activity Adjustment: Slow down significantly; don't expect sea-level paces, and focus on hydration and rest.

Long-Term Adaptation (Weeks 2-4+)

• Red Blood Cell Production: This is the key process for sports performance, where your body makes more red blood cells to carry oxygen, a process that takes 2-4 weeks.
• Optimal Arrival: Arriving 10-14 days before a major event allows for significant acclimatization and performance benefits, according to research.
• Full Normalcy: Feeling completely "normal" and maximizing performance can take 3-4 weeks or even months for some.

Obviously arriving 10 days before a game in 6 days is impossible. Same with waiting 3 weeks, lol.
Not sure that they have enough time to recover/ regenerate blood if they took & stored plasma for a pregame IV, but ?? an option?

.
Key Strategies

• Ascend Gradually: The classic advice is to not ascend more than 1,000 feet (300m) per day …..".
• Train Smart: Reduce workout intensity and volume initially, even if you feel okay.
• Simulate Altitude: If long stays aren't possible, altitude tents or masks can help pre-acclimatize at home.

COA 1-2 obviously impossible.
Leaves only COA3: Rent tents / masks for all the players and have them wear them this week.


That is my suggestion. I would do that and still consider flying Friday too.

 

[lancerman]

Realistically if they can swing it, fly tomorrow. Practice in it. There's not much you can do though. Unless you consistently perform in it, it's going to effect you

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I remember someone on Reddit(?) posting recently that teams generally fly out on the same schedule because acclimating takes a while, and in the short run arriving, say, 3 days earlier actually makes you worse off on game day.

Not sure if it's true, of course, but that's what I remember it saying.

 

[DC Patriots]

Fly early.

I think the blood IV you are suggesting is called blood doping. I think it’s part of what Lance Armstrong was busted for.

 

[Satchboogie3]

Altitude tents would have been a good option for the players. Altitude camps and training is the standard now in pro cycling. Ideally they would have encouraged players to get and sleep in altitude tents several weeks ago, as it generally takes 2-3 weeks to get the benefit. Honestly it probably would be a great idea to do this late in the season regardless of where you play as the adaptations you get from altitude increases performance, at any elevation.

Heat training is also very common in pro cycling, as you get a similar increase in performance. I'm not sure if it would specifically help with altitude, but it certainly wouldn't hurt.
I wonder if any teams have experimented with this stuff, even just a few % increase in power/endurance late in the season/for a playoff run could make a difference the last 5 or 10 minutes of a game.

 

[Triumph]

I remember someone on Reddit(?) posting recently that teams generally fly out on the same schedule because acclimating takes a while, and in the short run arriving, say, 3 days earlier actually makes you worse off on game day.

Not sure if it's true, of course, but that's what I remember it saying.

Has there ever been a SB in Denver?

I don't believe so.

 

[Triumph]

Speaking of the conditions in Denver.

Its supposed to be warm next Sunday high 40's during the game. I've been to Pats games there in January and it was not cold or uncomfortable in the least. If the sun is shining its like being on vacation. Its also very dry there too.

I bring this up because I'm wondering if the cold is affecting Mayes game.

 

[Triumph]

BB never took the team there early IIRC.

He stayed on the West coast if consecutive games were there.

 

[denverpatsfan]

Took me 6 months to acclimate when I moved here 20 years ago. So not sure you can speed things up...

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

Took me 6 months to acclimate when I moved here 20 years ago. So not sure you can speed things up...

First time I was there, went out to dinner and felt hammered after 2 drinks (wtf??) A few days later it was back to normal so it does take getting used to... Hopefully wisest minds have figured it out and we can be 1-4 and not 0-5 in playoffs there.

 

[imahobgoblin]

Vrabel said this morning it takes a week and a half to adjust. They will just focus on playing their game.

 

[Sect140]

Keep the routine, the Jaguars went to Denver this year and beat them. Did they arrive three or four days early or did they stick to there regular routine?

 

[BTTA]

One day per 1,000 feet is the general rule for regular activity (walking, breathing) but aerobic activity is another beast entirely.

And "blood doping" is cycling was a lot more than just giving yourself your own blood back.