Author(s): PRESTA, V., GUARNIERI, A., LAURENTI, F., MAZZEI, S., CONDELLO, G., GOBBI, G., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF PARMA, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 2234

INTRODUCTION:
Mountaineering requires intense physical and psychological strain. High altitude can further impair cognitive functions and motor control due to compromised central nervous system integration. However, existing research often focuses on acute exposure rather than prolonged expeditions. The current study investigated cognition and motor efficiency during a multistage alpine expedition aiming at understanding how sustained high-altitude exertion impacts performance and health.
METHODS:
Participants were recruited as members of a local association of mountaineers (Club Alpino Italiano, CAI) and among those engaged in a 7-month, thirty-stages mountain expedition (CrossAlps – La traversata delle Alpi, https://crossalpslatraversatadellealpi.it/). Simple and complex reaction time were assessed before and after each stage, as well as static and dynamic balance (march in place, MIP). Moreover, participants completed the Euro Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L and Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), the Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was completed before the stage only, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) at the end of the stage only.
RESULTS:
A total of 45 participants (50.4±14.1 years, 75.6% males; IPAQ score n=43, 62.8% >2520 MET/w) were enrolled. Complex reaction time were significantly improved post stage (p<0.001, effect size, ES=0.65), whereas simple reaction times did not change (p=0.176). No changes were observed in pre-post stage means of static and dynamic balance variables. However, the coefficients of variation (CV, %) of contact time (p=0.009, ES=0.39), cycle (left: p=0.009, ES=0.40; right: p=0.005, ES=0.41), and pace (left: p=0.006, ES=0.41; right: p=0.004, ES=0.43) were significantly reduced post stage. Age was not correlated with change in reaction times, whereas several static balance variables were significantly correlated (e.g., area ρ=-0.364, p=0.014, mean distance ρ=-0.419, p=0.004, total power r=-0.295, p=0.049). VAS and PSS scores significantly increased (n=43, p=0.019, ES=0.36; p=0.004, ES=0.45), whereas the MSQ score was reduced post stage (p=0.002, ES=0.45). High enjoyment levels were reported by participants (PACES=74±4.51 pt.).
CONCLUSION:
Given the expertise of our sample, the ability to maintain stable components of static and dynamic balance was expected. However, a more demanding skill, such as complex reaction time, was positively influenced by mountaineering, improving attention and processing speed. Moreover, the reduced gait coefficients of variation suggest an increase in motor control, with different adaptation patterns while aging. Health (VAS score) and sleep quality improved despite the slight increase in stress perception. In conclusion, prolonged exposure to altitude can improve motor coordination and processing speed even in accustomed mountaineers, while promoting general wellbeing.