Device measures oxygen saturation in athletes' blood. Doctor likes the results.

Márcio Iannacca\ Special correspondent for GLOBOESPORTE.COM\

Obina undergoes medical examination before Flamengo's departure from São Paulo. Flamengo doctor Serafim Borges took an oximeter, a device that measures the oxygen levels in the athletes' blood, to Lima, Peru. The professional's plan is to determine in Cuzco, which is 3.400 meters above sea level, which players will be able to withstand the altitude of the Peruvian city and which will not be able to perform well in one of the highest places in the world.

"It's a device that detects players' blood oxygen levels. The benefit of all this is that we've developed a project and are constantly evaluating the players. We'll be measuring this level all the time, right up until game time," says the red-and-black doctor.

For the match in Cuzco, Flamengo will bring 700 liters of oxygen (six cylinders). The idea is to ensure the players don't experience any discomfort from the Peruvian city's altitude. According to Flamengo's doctor, even without time to prepare properly, the coaching staff did a good job for the match in Peru.

"This year, due to the tight schedule, we didn't have time to use the hypobaric chamber. We worked with the coaching staff and physical trainers. We focused on working on some important skills, like speed and power," says Serafim.