Delayed Acclimatization of the Ventilatory Threshold in Healthy Trekkers

Objective.—To test the hypothesis that acclimatization to high altitude results in an improvement of the ventilatory threshold (VT). Methods.—Eight lowlanders underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing with a cycle ergometer to determine VT and peak oxygen uptake (Vo2peak) in Coventry, United Kingdo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Wilderness & environmental medicine 2008, Vol.19 (2), p.124-128
Main Authors: Myers, Stephen D, Biccard, Bruce M, Chan, Colin, Imray, Christopher H. E, Wright, Alexander D, Pattinson, Kyle T. S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
acclimatization
Acclimatization - physiology
Adult
Altitude
Altitude Sickness - epidemiology
Altitude Sickness - prevention & control
Brief Report
Emergency
exercise
Exercise Test
Female
Humans
Hypoxia - physiopathology
lactate
Male
Maximal Voluntary Ventilation - physiology
Oxygen Consumption - physiology
ventilatory threshold
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Summary:Objective.—To test the hypothesis that acclimatization to high altitude results in an improvement of the ventilatory threshold (VT). Methods.—Eight lowlanders underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing with a cycle ergometer to determine VT and peak oxygen uptake (Vo2peak) in Coventry, United Kingdom (altitude: 80 m), on arrival in Leh, India (altitude: 3500 m), and after 12 days of acclimatization that included a 5-day high altitude trek up to 4770 m. Results.—Vo2peak fell on arrival at 3500 m and remained depressed at 12 days. VT was depressed on arrival at high altitude and was further depressed at 12 days. VT as a proportion of the Vo2peak was decreased on arrival at high altitude, and after acclimatization, this relationship was further decreased. Conclusions.—Individuals who are sedentary or not participating in regular physical training appear to require a longer period of acclimatization than trained athletes. With the increasing numbers participating in high-altitude trekking and charity climbs of peaks, such as Mt. Kilimanjaro, this information has clinically significant practical implications for those leading or acting as medical advisors.
ISSN:1080-6032
1545-1534
DOI:10.1580/07-WEME-BR-1271.1