In this study, the investigator has considered resting Sa02 and reduction of
vo2 max values at altitude as two criteria of Decrease in cardiorespiratory efficiency
at altitude. For this purpose; 11 young men volunteers were selected as subjects and
their physical characteristics, pulmonary factors (VC, FVC, FEV1,FEV3,MVV),
vo2 max, breach holding time and also Sa02 values (at rest and during test) were
measured in kermanshah (1330 m). Two days later, after climbing to Mount Parau
(3150 m), the resting Sa02 values and AMS symptoms scores were recorded in
different times of the stay at altitude. And after 22 hours stay at altitude, vo2max,
breach holding time and Sa02 values (during tests) were measured. Statistical
analysis yields the following results: Resting Sa02 and vo2 max values were
Decreased significantly at altitude. Neither the mean resting Sa02 at altitude
correlated with breach holding time and vo2max values in the city. But the mean
resting Sa02 at altitude has significant negative correlation with the percent of
Decrease in vo2 max at altitude. Also, the resting Sa02 was increased significantly by
prolonging stay time at altitude. But, the most important findings of this study was
that all of the pulmonary factors had significant negative correlation with percent of
Decrease in vo2 max at altitude and significant positive correlation with the mean
resting Sa02 at altitude (except FEV1). This result can probably clarify the
individual differences in physiological responses to altitude, and also be a factor to
distinguish those whose cardiorespiratory efficiency at altitude (compare with others)
reduce less.