18.3.2009 Physical testing continues

Are there enough sensors, wires and pipes?
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Altitude of 5200m and still kicking
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Already in November 2007 the expedition started physical condition testing program based on tread mill measurements. These tests were continued in spring 2008 and also in 2009. The maximum oxygen uptake was quite sufficient on average already at the initial stage and it improved with a systematic practice. Because the good physical condition does not anticipate a good adaptability and capacity at high altitude, we carried out the unique measuring series where we were doing the tread mill tests during normobaric hypoxia at simulated altitudes. We started at sea level and continued during a standard exercise at 2800 m, 3500 m, 4300 m, 5200 m, 6100 m and 6400 m. The test was finished when the oxygen saturation fell to a 60-70%.
The sufficient oxidation and circulation of the brain are during the hypoxic exposure or the stay in the high altitude in a significant role in regard to ability to work and performance at high altitude. In several studies it has been stated that the increase in the circulation of the brain will maintain sufficient oxidation. Thus the circulation and oxidation of the brain have been well secured.
During the expedition, we continue measurings in the field circumstances collecting information, the symptoms from the appearance and preservation of a mood, attentiveness and vigilance. We register changes in the heart rate in rest and exercise with the help of the heart rate recorder, (Suunto Smart Belt) and are able to follow the recover reactions by First Beat software. We follow oxygen saturation every day at rest and during exercise by pulseoximetre Viamed MD300 and Masimo RAD 5V. Because the nutritional state affects a mood and the maintenance of the attentiveness, we follow the nutrition situation with the bodycomposition metre, Omron BF 510. We use both written and the computer based measuring methods for the evaluation of changes in mood, attentiveness and vigilance. The information produced by these measurings is thoroughly analysed after the expedition in Finland but a part of the accumulated information can be utilised already during the expedition in Everest. To the expedition, the pulseoximetres and bodycomposition meter have been delivered by Oriola.