Effect of High Elevation upon Physical Proficiency, Cognitive Functioning and Subjective Symptomatology

Abstract

To assess the possible decremental effects associated with an abrupt exposure to high elevation, eight basic fitness tests, one intelligence test, and a self-report symptoms card were administered to 43 adult Ss at sea level and at 13,000 ft. At the high elevation, the possible facilitating effect of the drug acetazoleamide was studied by administering it to 21 Ss. It was concluded that abrupt exposure to an elevation of 13,000 ft.: (1) does affect running proficiency but does not affect other aspects of physical proficiency, (2) does not disrupt cognitive functioning, and (3) does produce headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and insomnia. Acetazoleamide (1) was effective in reducing reports of headache, dizziness, and nausea while facilitating sleep and (2) did not affect physical proficiency or cognitive functioning.