Neurological Manifestations Associated with Exercise at Altitude.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The effects that exercise at altitude has on the neurological system are diverse and still not well studied, and range from metabolic adaptations to modification of cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitters. In this review we summarise changes with exercise intensity, the implications of ascent, cognitive impairment, psychosis-like symptoms, the role of exercise in the development and prevention of AMS, and use of free radical scavengers to enhance sports performance and acclimatization.

RECENT FINDINGS: We discuss the impact of oxidative stress in hypobaric hypoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and its consequences, with special focus on exercise at altitude. Finally we consider how moderate intensity exercise could help prevent AMS, and the necessity of research on high intensity exercise with elevated rate of ascent, the development of specific tools of cognitive assessment, and the role of free-radical scavengers in the prevention of AMS and neurological symptoms.