Key result
Simulated extreme altitude is linked to adverse mood changes that correlate with cerebral symptoms.
Why the study?
High altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters produce physiological disorders and adverse changes in mood states.
Does a 31-day period of chronic hypoxia in a hypobaric chamber alter mood states and personality traits in experienced climbers?
Observational (n=8)
Does a 31-day period of chronic hypoxia in a hypobaric chamber alter mood states and personality traits in experienced climbers?
Extreme simulated altitude induces adverse mood changes, particularly fatigue and reduced vigor, which correlate with cerebral symptoms and baseline emotional stability.
Mood changes at extreme simulated altitude may warrant monitoring in climbers; leaves open whether chronic hypoxia alters personality traits.
High altitudes of more than 3,000 meters produce physiological disorders and adverse changes in mood states. In the present study, we report analyses of mood states and personality traits in eight experienced climbers participating in a 31-day period of confinement in hypobaric chamber and gradual decompression from sea level to 8,848 m (Experiment 'Everest-Comex 97'). The subjects were tested at 5,500 m and 6,500 m on Day 13, 5,000 m and 6,500 m on Day 24, and 8,000 m and 8,848 m altitude on Days 27 and 31. Adverse changes in mood states, such as Vigor and Fatigue, occurred at 8,000 m and 8,848 m, which were significantly correlated with cerebral altitude symptomatology. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between Fatigue and Factor C, which is a personality measure of emotional stability. We suggest that individuals with low emotional stability could be more sensitive to environmental stressors than more emotionally stable subjects who face reality.
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Nicolas et al. (2000) conducted an observational in Chronic Hypoxia (n=8). Gradual decompression to 8,848 m in a hypobaric chamber was evaluated on Mood states and personality traits. Exposure to simulated altitudes up to 8,848 m induced adverse changes in mood states such as Vigor and Fatigue, which significantly correlated with cerebral altitude symptomatology.
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