gms | German Medical Science

Objective: Because of decrement in arterial oxygen saturation at altitude, physical fitness will be reduced. Studies show individual differences in physical fitness diminution at altitude; however, there is no gold standard in low altitude to find these differences to date. One of the criteria for selection of mountaineers to climb high mountains is results of physical fitness tests in Iran yet. Because these tests are normally performed near to sea level, their validity for selection of mountaineers is disputed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and success on Mera Peak (6654m).

Material/Methods: For this purpose, eight female climbers (age: 34.4±8.7) who were selected from 35 climbers and dispatched to Himalaya by mountaineering federation (Kermanshah province) participated as subjects, voluntarily. In Kermanshah city (1350m, Iran) physical fitness tests including Cooper test, lung-jump, chin up, and sit up tests were conducted.

Results: Results showed that none of the cooper test, lung jump, chin up, and sit up tests; and also weekly training volume, age, body mass, BMI, or percent of body fat were significantly correlated to summiting. Summiting was only related to climbing ability over 5000 m in 2 days before summiting (p=0.039) and sleeping history over 3000m (p=0.002).

Conclusion: In conclusion, physical fitness near to sea level could not guaranty climbing ability at high altitude. Climbing and sleeping history at high altitude may be better criteria for a successful upcoming climb.