Research in Sport Medicine and Technology

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between success
on an over 6000m summit and results of physical fitness tests that normally are
performed by mountaineering federation to select mountaineers for climbing
high mountains. Therefore in this study, relationship between the results of
these tests in 8 female climbers (age, 34.4±8.7year, height, 163.9±5.9cm, body
mass, 60.6±3.8kg) and their performance and success while ascending Mera
Peak (6654m) were assessed. Results showed that none of the cooper test,
long jump, chin up, and sit up tests; and also weekly training volume, age, body
mass, BMI, and percent of body fat were significantly correlated to climbing
ability at altitude, summiting, or incidence of acute mountain sickness.
Summiting was only related to climbing ability over 5000m in 2 days before
summiting (p=0.039) and sleeping history over 3000m (p=0.002). In conclusion,
physical fitness near to sea level could not guaranty climbing ability, summiting,
and healthy mood at high altitude. Climbing and sleeping history at high altitude
may be better criteria for a successful upcoming climb.