Improvement in Altitude Performance Test After Further Acclimatization in Pre-Acclimatized Soldiers

Abstract

The Altitude Performance Test is a measure designed to assess an individual's degree of acclimatization to reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness during high-altitude activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that test results will improve in pre-acclimatized soldiers after several days of further acclimatization. The Altitude Performance Test consists of an uphill run at high altitude. The event is timed and performed with continuous oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring. The individual's time and lowest SpO2 measurement are recorded. This test was performed on the first day of arriving at 11,060 ft, and after 9 days at the same location. The 37 male soldiers were all pre-acclimatized before arrival. The sleeping altitude remained constant at 11,060 ft, and the daytime altitudes increased up to a maximum of 15,775 ft. Test results improved significantly after a further 9 days of acclimatization (time, -11 s; SpO2, +5%-points; p ≤ 0.001). This is remarkable because all soldiers were pre-acclimatized and showed only minor acute mountain sickness symptoms during the entire stay. This indicates that the acclimatization process is not finished after amelioration of altitude symptoms. The demonstrated improvement in physical performance could prove very important, particularly during military missions performed at high altitude.