Effects of mountaineering training at high altitude (4,350 m) on physical work performance of women

Little is known about work performance of women in hypobaric hypoxia. Moreover, whether native women of moderate altitude (2,000-2,100 m) differ from their lowland counterparts in their ability to adjust to hypobaric hypoxia is also not known. Hence, physiological alterations on work performance due to mountaineering training with altitude adaptation was evaluated in two groups of women and compared to the differences in the responses of the native women of moderate altitudes (Highlanders-HL) with those of the plains (Lowlanders-LL).

Pre-training tests were conducted at 2,100 m, then during sojourn to 4,350 m and re-tested again after return to 2,100 m. Physical work performance was assessed following standard step-test-exercise on a 30 cm stool with 24 cycles x min(-1) for 5 min. Heart rate, BP, ventilation, oxygen consumption and oxygen saturation were monitored at rest and during exercise followed by 5 min recovery in all three situations.

During initial assessment, HL showed higher cardiovascular efficiency with faster recovery of exercise heart rate. Both groups showed significant improvement in physical performance due to mountaineering training at high altitude (HA). The difference in performance between two groups narrowed down at 4,350 m and further reduced during re-test with maintenance of initial superiority of the HL.

a) Native women of moderate altitude (HL) are more fit compared with their plains counterparts (LL); b) All women achieved marked improvement in cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency as well as the step-test score due to intense mountaineering training at HA, and the rate of improvement in physical performance was higher in LL; c) Further, induction by trekking under progressive hypoxia coupled with rigorous mountaineering activity at HA merits in understanding better acclimatization and improved physical performance.