Comparison of balance strategies in mountain climbers during real altitude exposure between 1.500 m and 3.200 m: Effects of age and expertise

NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS

卷:657

Article

Bruyneel, Anne-Violette¹  Humbert, Arnaud¹  Bertrand, Marc¹ 

[1] 19 Rue Joly, F-69210 Lentilly, France

关键词: Altitude;    Postural instability;    Mountaineers;    Age;    Expertise;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.neulet.2017.06.010

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of altitude (1500 m vs. 3200 m) on balance strategies, and to determine the influence of age (> or <40 years) and expertise (> or <20 days of mountain climbing/year) on postural stability at altitude. Method: Eighty-nine volunteer mountaineers were tested at 1500 m, 3200 m immediately after exiting the cable car and at 3200 m following the climb and return. Double-leg stance with eyes closed and single-leg stance with eyes open were tested. The center of pressure (CoP) was recorded for 12.8 s using a stabilometric force platform. Length, surface, ratio (length/surface), and average speed of the CoP, as well as lower limb loading were calculated. Groups and altitudes were compared using ANOVA. Significance was set to p < 0.05. Results: CoP ratio was significantly higher during both balance conditions at 3200 m compared to 1500 m (p < 0.05). Lower limb loading was symmetrical at 1500m but not at 3200m (p < 0.05). There was no influence of age or expertise at 1500 m (p = NS), however at 3200 m, older subjects and subjects with less expertise had greater length and surface of the CoP, showing more instability (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Postural stability was immediately reduced on arrival at 3200 m, particularly in subjects above the age of 40 years with less expertise. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

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