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Research Studies Ways to Control Mountain Sickness

Dr. John Davis, Alma College professor of exercise and health science, has conducted classes on some of the highest peaks in North America. In doing research on altitude physiology, Davis has taken Alma College students on several research trips to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to study the acute and chronic effects of moderate altitude exposure on exercise and cardiovascular responses. He is taking another class during the month of May to the mountains to research the effects of Ginko Biloba on acute mountain sickness and the physiological responses to a mini-hyperbaric chamber.

Effect of Ginkgo Biloba on Acute Mountain Sickness and Moderate Altitude Exercise

Many people experience lightheadedness, dizziness , and sickness in the stomach on ascent to high altitude. Described in the medical literature as acute mountain sickness (AMS), current approaches include a variety of prescription medications including acetylzolamide. Recently, a natural supplement (Ginkgo biloba) has been reported to improve symptoms in laboratory rats. Few studies have examined these responses in humans. In those studies, the results have been inconclusive.

Faculty and students from Alma College will be looking at the effects of ginkgo biloba on acute mountain sickness and exercise responses at high altitude using a double- blind controlled study. Results from this study will be used to determine the effectiveness of this supplement on AMS and subsequent exercise responses.

Physiological Responses to a Mini-hyperbaric Chamber

Upon ascent to high altitude, the barometric pressure decreases which sets off a cascade of effects including a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen in the inspired air, a subsequent decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood and impaired oxygen transport. In many instances, these changes leave an individual unable to function effectively at high altitudes. One of the severe consequences of these changes and the pulmonary vasoconstriction in the lungs that frequently occurs in some individuals is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).

The most effective treatment is to get the individual back to a lower altitude. In some cases, this is not possible. An alternative is to use a mini-hyperbaric chamber like the Gamow bag. Clinically, the Gamow bag has been documented to be effective in treating high altitude disorders. However, few if any studies have looked at the physiological mechanisms involved with its use. The purpose of this research project will be to examine the physiological responses to hyperbaria induced by the Gamow bag. These responses will include a variety of cardiovascular and respiratory variables.

 Contact Dr. John Davis at (989) 463-7158 or davisj@alma.edu

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Alma College received a $150,000 grant from the National Science Foundation in August 2009 for research that could eventually lead to the development of more effective drugs to treat and prevent certain kinds of influenza, including human infections of swine and avian flu. "This project provides an opportunity for students to get involved in important laboratory research," says faculty member Jeff Turk, principal investigator.

 

Student Profile

Brett Seymoure

Brett Seymoure
Graduation: 2009
Major: Biology
From: Paw Paw, Michigan
Interests: Sports, Politics

Alma’s close faculty-student interaction provides numerous benefits such as the ability to do undergraduate research on a graduate level. Alma’s professors treat students more as peers welcoming student input and collaboration on faculty projects. When students are involved in research, faculty aggressively pursue publication of findings including students as co-authors.