Physiological profile of world-class high-altitude climbers

Physiological profile of world-class high-altitude climbers.

The functional characteristics of six world-class high-altitude mountaineers were assessed 2-12 mo after the last high-altitude climb. Each climber on one or several occasions had reached altitudes of 8,500 m or above without supplementary O2. Static and dynamic lung volumes and right and left echocardiographic measurements were found to be within normal limits of sedentary controls (SC). Muscl...

Physiological aspects of high-altitude pulmonary edema.

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) develops in rapidly ascending nonacclimatized healthy individuals at altitudes above 3,000 m. An excessive rise in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) preceding edema formation is the crucial pathophysiological factor because drugs that lower PAP prevent HAPE. Measurements of nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled air, of nitrites and nitrates in bronchoalveolar lavage (B...

Mental Strategies of Elite High Altitude Climbers: Overcoming Adversity on Mount Everest

Somatic Profile of Competitive Sport Climbers

Since rock climbing grows in popularity, the number of the respective scientific reports increases. However, those concerning anthropometric profile of elite climbers are scarce and inconsistent, thus the aim of the study was to describe the anthropometric characteristics of competitive sport climbers. Male rock climbers (n = 21) aged 17 - 29 years took part in the study; their climbing ability...

Hypoxic ventilatory response in successful extreme altitude climbers.

A very high ventilatory response to hypoxia is believed necessary to reach extreme altitude without oxygen. Alternatively, the excessive ventilation could be counterproductive by exhausting the ventilatory reserve early on. To test these alternatives, 11 elite climbers (2004 Everest-K2 Italian Expedition) were evaluated as follows: 1) at sea level, and 2) at 5,200 m, after 15 days of acclimatis...