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 (6<sup>th</sup> and 20<sup>th</sup>-21<sup>st</sup> days of readaptation). During the trial, an outdoor activity regimen was established (alternative motor activity types). During athletes' stay in the middle mountains (1<sup>st</sup>-2<sup>nd</sup>, 6<sup>th</sup>, 10<sup>th</sup>, and 18<sup>th</sup> days) and readaptation period (6<sup>th</sup>-7<sup>th</sup> and 20<sup>th</sup>-21<sup>st</sup> 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). VO<sub>2</sub>max decreased on the 1<sup>st</sup>-10<sup>th</sup> days of staying in the middle mountains and returned to the baseline on the 18<sup>th</sup> day. During the readaptation period (6<sup>th</sup> day), aerobic capacity (VO<sub>2max</sub>) increased by 9.7 % (p<0.05) compared with the indices in the middle mountains (18<sup>th</sup> day) and exceeded the baseline in the foothills by 5.7 % (p<0, 05). On 20<sup>th</sup>-21<sup>st</sup> 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.