Effect of environmental change while climbing Mt. Daisen on forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume % in young women.

The aim of the present study was to clarify the effects of environmental change while climbing Mt. Daisen on forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume % in young women in summer. Seven healthy Japanese women (age: 22.6 ± 4.2 years) volunteered to climb Mt. Daisen (1,709 m), located in Tottori prefecture, in August. Participants’ expiratory forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume % (FEV%) and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured at 4 points (Ground: 10 m, Rest point: 780 m, Summit: 1,709 m, Goal point: 780 m). The measurements were conducted soon after the subjects’ arrival at each point. The degree of dyspnea sensation was measured at Ground, Rest point, Goal point and at each station. There were no significant changes in FVC. FEV% at the summit was significantly lower than at the Ground and Rest point. No significant differences were found in SpO2 at each measuring point. The degree of dyspnea sensation at each station soon after the subjects’ arrival was significantly higher than those at the Rest point. The results of this study indicated mild airway contraction induced by stresses on the respiratory system from increasing exercise intensity during an ascent of Mt. Daisen. (Accepted Apr. 26, 2011)