title: Kilimanjaro Abruzzo expedition: effects of high-altitude trekking on anthropometric, cardiovascular and blood biochemical parameters.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Vittore
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Verratti
authors.affiliation: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Falone
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Doria
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pietrangelo
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Di Giulio
keywords: Altitude; Human adaptations; Hypoxia; Physical exercise