Madondo A.1, Shayo M.1
1Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Physiotherapy, Moshi, Tanzania
Background: Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5895 m, is a mountain people commonly attempt to summit. Previous studies on mountaineering have shown that exercising in preparation for such strenuous activity is of paramount importance. This will prepare the body to be physically fit, able to overcome some challenges and reduce the risk of injury. Currently it is not known if a guided exercise program exists for climbers in Kilimanjaro.
Purpose: This study aims at identifying the existence of exercise programs in preparation to climb Mount Kilimanjaro among climbers as well as explore the physical challenges faced, injuries occurring and recommendations from the tour guides.
Methods: A mixed method approach was used to collect data combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 49 structured questionnaires were given to climbers who had successfully summited Mt Kilimanjaro to find out about what preconditioning exercise they had done as well as physical challenges and injuries they had experienced during their climb. Seven male tour guides were individually interviewed on their recommendations. SPSS was used to process the quantitative data while thematic content analysis was used for qualitative data. Results from both components were merged to draw a conclusion.
Results: 49 participants from all over the world were involved in the study. 59.1% were females, with a larger portion (39%) being between 19 and 29 years of age. 87.8% respondents reported to have little to no climbing experience. In total 59% of the climbers exercised before their climb, of which only 6.9% were on an exercise program from unspecified sources. The rest were exercising generally, however, there was no uniformity seen in the way they exercised, and 40.8% of them felt that they could have been better prepared in terms of training. Of 49 respondents, 40(81.6%) faced challenges during their climb. Common symptoms were of altitude sickness especially; breathlessness (72.5%), as well as pain (65%) in the lower limb muscles and joints. One injury in the foot was reported. Acclimatization, walking at an incline, aerobic exercises and other elements were recommended to be part of a training program.
Conclusion(s): There is a need for a standardised exercise program to be designed specifically for Mount Kilimanjaro climbers. This should be prepared by multidisciplinary professionals with science based knowledge taking to consideration recommendations from the guides. Although establishment of a formal pre-conditioning exercise program for Mount Kilimanjaro climbers seems to be necessary; an extensive study in this field is prerequisite.
Implications: There is a need for exercise experts to prepare a standardised exercise program for mountain climbers. Equally knowing the common challenges injuries occurring from a larger sample size will provide guidance for preparation of the exercise program that will tackle these issues.
Funding acknowledgements: Special thanks go to my parents for funding the whole project.
Topic: Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing
Ethics approval: Physiotherapy department Authorities at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College as well as the Kilimanjaro Association of Touring Companies.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
