Mountains of research: Where and whom high‐altitude physiology has overlooked

Abstract

AbstractHigh altitude is a natural setting in which to study human acclimatization and adaptation. Here, I identify where and in whom high‐altitude physiology research has occurred. There has been a mismatch between countries with large high‐altitude populations vs. where high‐altitude research has been conducted. From 1970 to 2020, 83% of high‐altitude physiology research took place in just seven countries: Nepal, China, USA, Peru, India, Bolivia and Italy. Collectively, these countries account for only 35% of the global population living above 2500 m. Furthermore, high‐altitude physiology research has predominantly studied low‐altitude residents visiting high altitude and female participants are under‐represented. Accordingly, the included populations are not necessarily a proportional representation of high‐altitude residents. Here, I discuss how this influences our understanding of high‐altitude adaptation. Finally, I highlight past initiatives to increase diversity in high‐altitude research. By identifying the broad gaps in high‐altitude physiology research, I propose exciting, inclusive opportunities to study human high‐altitude physiology. image