Altitude Symptomatology and Mood States during a Climb to 3630 M

Abstract
Ascents to altitude above 3050 m have been shown to cause adverse changes in symptoms and moods. It is thought that the severity of these changes not only depends on the altitude and rate of climb, but also on the length of stay and the effort expended to reach the desired altitude. In order to better understand how these factors influence symptom and mood changes during a climb, this study systematically assessed symptoms and moods during an ascent to 3630 m. Seven symptom factors and two mood factors were found to be adversely affected over time by the changes in altitude. More specifically, the subjects experienced more respiratory acute mountain sickness (AMS), exertion stress, and muscular discomfort and they were also colder, less alert, less vigorous, and more fatigued at higher elevations. These changes occurred primarily at 3630 m and most also occurred at 3080 m. The changes were always different from the values on the second day at 2225 m and they sometimes differed from the values on the first day at 2225 or 2530 m. Therefore, this study demonstrated that a climb to 3630 m produces adverse changes in symptomatology and mood states and that factors other than just level of altitude can affect these parameters.

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