The study of relationship between physical fitness and success of female climbers to ascend Mera Peak (6654 m)

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between success on an over 6000m summit and results of physical fitness tests that normally are performed by mountaineering federation to select mountaineers for climbing high mountains. Therefore in this study, relationship between the results of these tests in 8 female climbers (age, 34.4±8.7year, height, 163.9±5.9cm, body mass, 60.6±3.8kg) and their performance and success while ascending Mera Peak (6654m) were assessed. Results showed that none of the cooper test, long jump, chin up, and sit up tests; and also weekly training volume, age, body mass, BMI, and percent of body fat were significantly correlated to climbing ability at altitude, summiting, or incidence of acute mountain sickness. Summiting was only related to climbing ability over 5000m in 2 days before summiting (p=0.039) and sleeping history over 3000m (p=0.002). In conclusion, physical fitness near to sea level could not guaranty climbing ability, summiting, and healthy mood at high altitude. Climbing and sleeping history at high altitude may be better criteria for a successful upcoming climb.