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  • EP088350

    Accepted author manuscript, 1.3 MB, PDF document

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  • Michael M Tymko
    University of British Columbia, Okanagan
  • Ryan L Hoiland
    University of British Columbia, Okanagan
  • Joshua C Tremblay
  • Mike Stembridge
    Cardiff Metropolitan University
  • Tony G Dawkins
    Cardiff Metropolitan University
  • Geoff B Coombs
    School of Health and Exercise SciencesUniversity of British Columbia, Okanagan
  • Alexander Patrician
    University of British Columbia, Okanagan
  • Connor A Howe
    University of British Columbia, Okanagan
  • Travis D Gibbons
    University of Otago
  • Jonathan P Moore
  • Lydia L Simpson
  • Craig D Steinback
    University of Alberta
  • Victoria L Meah
    University of Alberta
  • Benjamin S Stacey
    University of South Wales
  • Damian M Bailey
    University of South Wales
  • David B MacLeod
    Duke University Medical Center
  • Christopher Gasho
    Loma Linda University School of Medicine
  • James D Anholm
    Loma Linda University School of Medicine
  • Anthony R Bain
    University of Colorado
  • Justin S Lawley
    University of Innsbruck
  • Francisco C Villafuerte
  • Gustavo Vizcardo-Galindo
  • Philip N Ainslie
    University of British Columbia, Okanagan
In 2016, the international research team ‐ Global Research Expedition on Altitude‐related Chronic Health (REACH) ‐ was established and executed a high altitude research expedition to Nepal. The team consists of ∼45 students, principal investigators and physicians with the common objective of conducting experiments focused on high altitude adaptation in lowlanders, and highlanders with lifelong exposure to high altitude. In 2018, Global REACH traveled to Peru where we performed a series of experiments in the Andean highlanders. The experimental objectives, organization and characteristics, and key cohort data from Global REACH's latest research expedition are outlined herein. Herein, fifteen major studies are described that aimed to elucidate the physiological differences in high altitude acclimatization between lowlanders (n = 30) and Andean born highlanders with (n = 22) and without (n = 45) Excessive Erythrocytosis (EE). After baseline testing in Kelowna, BC, Canada (344 m), Global REACH travelled to Lima, Peru (∼80 m), and then ascended by automobile to Cerro de Pasco, Peru (∼4300 m) where experiments were conducted over 25 days. The core studies focused on elucidating the mechanism(s) governing cerebral and peripheral vascular function, cardiopulmonary regulation, exercise performance, and autonomic control. Despite encountering serious logistical challenges, each of the proposed studies were completed at both sea level and high altitude amounting to ∼780 study sessions and > 3000 hrs of experimental testing. Participant demographics and data related to acid‐base balance and exercise capacity are presented. The collective findings will contribute to our understanding of how lowlanders and Andean highlanders have adapted under high altitude stress.

Keywords

  • Adaptation, Physiological/physiology, Adult, Altitude, Altitude Sickness/physiopathology, Chronic Disease, Cohort Studies, Expeditions, Heart/physiopathology, Humans, Hypoxia/physiopathology, Male, Peru
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)86-103
Number of pages18
JournalExperimental Physiology
Volume106
Issue number1
Early online date1 Apr 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2021

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