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Changes in Body Composition and Aerobic Capacity after High Altitude Exposure in Elite Climbers
Author(s) -
Carlson Alex Robert,
Kasak Alexander,
Issa Amine,
Taylor Bryan,
Summerfield Douglas,
Miller Andrew,
Fuglestad Andrew,
Johnson Bruce
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.1207.10
Subject(s) - aerobic capacity , zoology , vo2 max , medicine , aerobic exercise , lean body mass , composition (language) , treadmill , weight loss , body weight , obesity , biology , heart rate , blood pressure , linguistics , philosophy
BACKGROUND High altitude (HA) exposure influences appetite, protein synthesis and breakdown, and aerobic capacity. Thus, HA exposure typically causes weight (wt) loss, while the impact on aerobic capacity upon return to sea level is more variable. OBJECTIVE To examine the influence of hypobaric hypoxia on body composition and exercise capacity in elite HA climbers (n=4, 2 female) acclimating at ≥5,150 m over 2 mo. relative to trekkers (n=8, 0 female) acclimating at 5,150 m over 2 wks (Mt. Everest, Nepal). Each elite climber successfully summited Mt. Everest. METHODS Body composition (DEXA, skin folds, wt) and exercise capacity (treadmill) were assessed before and within 2 wks post HA. RESULTS HA exposure increased Hct and Hb, with peak values of 52±5% and 18±2 g/dl, and 50±3% and 17±1 g/dl for the climbers and trekkers, respectively. HA decreased lean and fat tissue in both the climbers (lean −4.4±2.3%, fat −8.2±4.0%) and trekkers (lean −1.8±1.6%, fat −5.8±6.1%) (all P ≤0.06). No change was observed in skin folds for either group. Wt decreased in the climbers (−5±2%, P <0.03) and trekkers (−3±1%, P <0.01). There was no change in VO 2max pre‐to post‐HA in either group (climbers 3.26 ± 0.37 vs. 3.27 ± 0.61 L/min; trekkers 3.60 ± 0.54 vs. 3.66 ± 0.43 L/min). CONCLUSION HA results in both lean and fat tissue loss in well acclimatized climbers and trekkers with little subsequent impact on aerobic capacity. Mayo Clinic & TNF.