Criteria for psychological adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia

The purpose of this study was to test an ascent program for ideal psycholog ical adaptation to high altitudes. A psychological approach was used to tes t a model describing a gradual step-by-step ascent. Seven subjects spent ni ne days between 3,500 m and 4,400 m altitude, followed by eight days climbi ng 500 m each day from 3,500 m to 5,400 m. They performed a cognitive-motor task three times, once under normoxia, once under acute hypoxia, and once under chronic hypoxic conditions. Durations for these subjects were compare d with those obtained by a control group tested under normoxia. Subjects' e motional state was assessed by analyzing their remarks during an interview conducted at 5,400 m and by calculating from the answers given to the three questions, a mood index for each subject, Analysis showed chat the perform ances of both groups improved on the second and third administrations of th e test. There was, however, no interaction between the group and the time o f administration. Mood indexes indicated that the majority of the subjects had no trouble in adapting to the situation and few cognitive or emotional disturbances were observed. These findings may be attributed to the ascent being well designed and planned thereby preventing various possible forms o f mountain sickness and other pathologies from developing in the subjects.