M a r k u s W. Flatz, Evelyn Punter, Wolfgang Schobersberger, Egon Humpeler
P h y s i o l o g i c a l E f f e c t s o f a Va c a tion with Physical A c t i v i t y a t A l t i t u d e – P r e l i m i nar y Data from a P r o j e c t C o n c e r n i n g t h e A u s trian Moderate A l t i t u d e S t u d i e s ( AMAS)
SUMMARY This study presents measurements and analysis from a real time vacation at moderate altitude (1450 m) including customized and guided physical activities. This program was based on the Austrian Moderate Altitude Studies (AMAS). Hence, the aim here was to compare this data to the results of AMAS. We tested 28 subjects (male and female) mean age (SD) 53.5 (13.3) years, mean height 1.76 (0.09) m and mean weight 79.2 (16.5) kg, and compared basic resting and exercising measurements from PRE (after 1st overnight) to POST (10th day of the vacation). At rest we conducted body impedance analysis (BIA), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and percutan pulsoximetry (SpO2) measurements. Exercise tests included an indoor step test (HR, SpO2, BORG perceived exertion scale) and a defined test hiking trail with a flat and a following steep part aiming for similar hiking time with comparable power output (time, HR, SpO2, BORG). The results showed a reduction in body weight solely due to a loss of body fat and unchanged fluid balance. Also, systolic blood pressure decreased significantly. Both exercise tests (indoor step test and defined hiking trail) revealed a decreased heart rate response, increased oxygen saturation and decreased BORG rating: over all an improved exercise tolerance. These results showed positive effects from a real time vacation with guided physical activities at moderate altitude on body composition, blood pressure and exercise tolerance. This is consistent with the results of AMAS. Keywords: exercise tolerance, health tourism, WelltainÂŽ 75
