Does change in barometric pressure per given time at high altitude influence symptoms of acute mountain sickness on Mount Fuji? A pilot study

A pilot study on Mount Fuji reveals that changes in barometric pressure during ascent, combined with sleep quality factors such as sleepiness and refreshment, significantly influence the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS). The research surveyed 353 trekkers, finding a 41.4% prevalence of AMS at the summit. Using logistic regression, the study identified three key predictors: barometric pressure changes per hour, sleepiness upon waking, and perceived sleep refreshment. These findings suggest that climbers can mitigate AMS risk by maintaining better physical condition and monitoring barometric conditions, though overnight stays at mid-altitude lodges did not necessarily reduce AMS incidence across age or sex groups up to 3776 meters.

Horiuchi, M., Watanabe, M., Mitsui, S., & Uno, T. (2021). Does change in barometric pressure per given time at high altitude influence symptoms of acute mountain sickness on Mount Fuji? A pilot study. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 40(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40101-021-00256-y