Changes in the Indices of Respiratory Functions in Japanese Adult Men during an Ascent of Mt. Fuji

the purpose of this study was to investigate changes in respiratory functions during an ascent of Mt. Fuji. Eight healthy Japanese men (age: 23.3 ± 2.3 years) volunteered to climb Mt. Fuji (3,776 m). Participants' expiratory forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume per second (FEV), percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO 2) and degree of dyspnea sensation (DDS) were measured at the five points (Pre-Ground; altitude: 10 m, 5th station; altitude: 2,300 m, 7th station; altitude: 2,700 m, summit: 3,710 m and Post-Ground: 84 m). We reached to Summit at night (4:00 a.m.) and we reached other points during the day. the measurement indices were conducted soon after the subjects' arrival at each point. FVC at the 5th station and the summit were significantly lower than that at Pre-Ground and Post-Ground. there were no significant changes in FEV 1.0. SpO2 significantly decreased during ascent. DDS at the summit was significantly higher than that at other points. In conclusion, climbers suffered additive stress to the respiratory system caused by hypobaric and hypoxic stresses, exercise stress after brief periods rest and the effects of autonomic nerve system including sleepiness.