STAGING FOR SIX DAYS AT 2200 M INDUCES PHYSIOLOGIC ADJUSTMENTS THAT MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DECREASING ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS) AT 4300 M
Abstract
Staging at moderate altitude minimizes AMS following ascent to high altitude. However, few studies have reported physiological adjustments following staging that may be responsible for decreasing AMS. This study determined the effectiveness of 6 d of staging at 2200 m on physiological adjustments and AMS during rapid ascent to 4300 m. Eleven sea‐level resident men (mean±SE, 21±1 yr) completed resting measures of end‐tidal CO2 (PETCO2), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), and heart rate (HR) at sea level (SL) and within 1 h of exposure to 4300 m in both a hypobaric chamber (preSTG) and the summit of Pikes Peak following 6 d of staging at 2200 m (postSTG). AMS‐C (Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire) was measured following 8 h exposure at preSTG and postSTG. Resting PETCO2 (mmHg) was unchanged from SL (39.8±0.8) to preSTG (39.3±1.0) but decreased (P2 (%) decreased (P<0.05) from SL (97±1) to preSTG (80±1) and increased (P<0.05) from preSTG to postSTG (83±1). Resting HR (bpm) did not change from SL (69±2) to preSTG (70±2) but decreased (P<0.05) from preSTG to postSTG (65±2). AMS‐C decreased (P<0.05) from preSTG (0.94±0.14) to postSTG (0.59±0.13). These results suggest that staging for 6 d at 2200 m induces physiologic adjustments characteristic of altitude acclimatization that may be responsible for the reduction in AMS during rapid ascent to 4300 m. Funding provided by USAMRMC. Authors’ views; not official U.S. Army or DoD policy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2008
- Source ID
- 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.1173.10
Entities
People
- Alison Money
- Allen Cymerman
- Beth A. Beidleman
- Charles S. Fulco
- Janet E. Staab
- Michael C Brothers
- Paul B. Rock
- Stephen R. Muza
- Vincent Forte
Organizations
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
- United States Air Force Academy
- United States Army Medical Research and Development Command
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine