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Springer, Sport Sciences for Health, 3(11), p. 271-278, 2015

DOI: 10.1007/s11332-015-0235-z

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Kilimanjaro Abruzzo expedition: effects of high-altitude trekking on anthropometric, cardiovascular and blood biochemical parameters

Journal article published in 2015 by Vittore Verratti ORCID, S. Falone, C. Doria ORCID, T. Pietrangelo, C. Di Giulio ORCID
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

The effect of the combination of trekking and balanced appropriated diet were studied in mountaineers who spent 6 days at an altitude ranging from 900 to 5895 m above sea level (a.s.l.), during the Kilimanjaro Abruzzo Expedition. This study explored whether anthropometric, cardiovascular and blood biochemical parameters were significantly changed by a regular trekking performed at high altitude, with reduced oxygen levels, together with a macronutrient-containing balanced diet (total daily caloric intake: 3000–3500 Kcals). In consideration of the short period of high-altitude exposure, high-altitude exercise appeared to provide beneficial and rapid effects on the lipid profile and to modulate cardiovascular functions. These effects rely on both high-altitude hypoxia and physical activity. The most interesting observation is that even just a few days of high-altitude exercise, along with a balanced diet, was able to improve plasma lipid profiles.