Sweat Science (Substack)

How Atmospheric Pressure Affects Your Training

Researchers led by Iñigo Mujika examined whether barometric pressure influences athletes’ response to altitude training. Using data from 27 elite swimmers and water‑polo players at a 2,320‑metre (7,600‑ft) Spanish high‑performance center, they found that daily pressure swings altered the “equivalent altitude” by up to 130 m and up to 296 m over a week. Higher pressure produced higher morning blood‑oxygen saturation, suggesting that pressure‑driven oxygen changes could push athletes into under‑ or over‑training. The study also linked sunlight, precipitation and wind to fatigue and sleep quality, indicating broader weather effects on performance.