Kambis, K. W., Muza, S. R., McQuaid, D. B., MacDonald, J. R., Rock, P. B., Cymerman, A., Friedlander, A., Walterick, P., Sury, J., & Griffin, E. (2002). Relationship between mood state and oxygen saturation during residence at high altitude. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 1248.

On ascent to altitude, mood state deteriorates along with the decrease in arterial oxygen saturation, only to recover in 5-7 days. Males (N = 21) were transported to an altitude of 4300 m where they remained for 21 days.

At high altitude, mood state (POMS-B1) worsened significantly in all constructs during days 2-4 returning to normal with 5-7 days of residence. Arterial oxygen saturation decreased rapidly to 80% normal (sea level) upon exposure to recover to 90% sea level value over the 21 days of habituation.

Implication. Mood states are disrupted after acute exposure to high altitude. Mood recovers much faster than physiological functions.

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