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Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments
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Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 39408

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Eric Brymer

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
MANNA Institute, SCU, Gold Coast, QLD 4225, Australia
Interests: physical activity; adventure; psychology; nature-based activity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Francesco Feletti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ausl Romagna, S Maria delle Croci Hospital, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
Interests: outdoor sports; exercise medicine
Dr. Erik Monasterio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
University of Otago, Christchurch School of Medicine, Hillmorton Hospital, Private Bag 4733, Christchurch, New Zealand
Interests: adventure sports; climbing; personality
Dr. Pierre Bouchat

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Interests: social psychology; political psychology; extreme sports; BASE jump

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last few decades there has been a surge in interest in activities that lie on the outermost edges of human capability, specifically relating to performance issues and wellbeing maintenance and outcomes when participating in extreme environments. Humans perform in extreme environments, where a mismanaged mistake or accident would most likely result in death (Brymer & Schweitzer, 2017), for many reasons, including military operations, scientific discovery, space exploration and adventurous leisure activities. Learning from the experiences of participants has also contributed to our understanding of the broader human condition.  The momentum seems to be intensifying.

Traditional perspectives on motivations, performance and wellbeing have been critiqued. Emerging research points to a more subtle and interlinked relationship between performance and wellbeing. There is a pressing need for clarity, other ways of knowing might reveal more nuanced perspectives of the human dimension of participation in extreme environments (Monasterio, Mei-Dan, Hackney, Lane, Zwir, Rozsa, & Cloninger, 2016)). This special edition brings together cutting edge research and thought examining Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments. In particular we are interested in research and ideas that examine:

  1. Becoming a participant
  2. Being a participant in extreme environments
  3. Effective performance
  4. Outcomes from participation
  5. Psychological aspects of performance
  6. Maintaining health and wellbeing while performing
  7. The relationship between performance and wellbeing
  8. Methodological issues
  9. Conceptual frameworks
  10. Definitions
  11. Diagnostic imaging
  12. Medicine in extreme environments
  13. Sports science and medicine

Dr. Eric Brymer
Dr. Francesco Feletti
Dr. Erik Monasterio
Dr. Pierre Bouchat
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • extreme
  • wellbeing
  • adventure
  • outdoor sports

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 376 KiB  
Article
“No Risk No Fun?”: Determinants of Satisfaction with Life in People Who Engage in Extreme and High-Risk Sports
by Daniel Krokosz and Mariusz Lipowski
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13328; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013328 - 15 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2021
Abstract
(1) Background: In this paper, we attempt to identify which personality and motivational variables significantly influence the sense of quality of life of individuals who practice extreme sports (ES) and high-risk sports (HRS). In addition, we examined to what extent these relationships are [...] Read more.
(1) Background: In this paper, we attempt to identify which personality and motivational variables significantly influence the sense of quality of life of individuals who practice extreme sports (ES) and high-risk sports (HRS). In addition, we examined to what extent these relationships are moderated by the athletes’ gender and experience in a given discipline. (2) Methods: A total of 363 individuals who practice ES or who practice HRS took part in the study. All of the participants were from Poland. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure the investigated personality traits (extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism), motives, and satisfaction with life, characteristic of the practiced sports. (3) Results: A positive relationship was observed between levels of extroversion and sense of satisfaction with life in the groups of women who engage in HRS (p = 0.045) and men who engage in ES (p = 0.002). The tendency towards addiction was significantly negatively associated with sense of satisfaction with life only in men who engage in ES (p = 0.015). Individuals who engage in ES and HRS did not differ in levels of tendency towards addiction. (4) Conclusions: Individuals who practice ES differ from individuals who practice HRS in terms of personality features, motivations, and the determinants of their sense of satisfaction with life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
11 pages, 328 KiB  
Article
What Is an Extreme Sports Healthcare Provider: An Auto-Ethnographic Study of the Development of an Extreme Sports Medicine Training Program
by Larissa Trease, Edi Albert, Glenn Singleman and Eric Brymer
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8286; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148286 - 07 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1876
Abstract
“I remember when sex was safe and skydiving was dangerous” read a popular bumper sticker during the HIV crisis. Popular perceptions of extreme sport (ES) often include the descriptor ‘dangerous’. Therefore, why is the popularity of ES increasing exponentially with “dedicated TV channels, [...] Read more.
“I remember when sex was safe and skydiving was dangerous” read a popular bumper sticker during the HIV crisis. Popular perceptions of extreme sport (ES) often include the descriptor ‘dangerous’. Therefore, why is the popularity of ES increasing exponentially with “dedicated TV channels, internet sites, high-rating competitions, and high-profile sponsors drawing more participants”? More importantly, how should health practitioners respond to the influx of ES athletes with novel injuries, enquiries and attitudes. This paper describes the results of a collaborative auto-ethnographic approach to answering “what is an extreme sports medicine health care provider and what are the components of an effective Extreme Sports Medicine (ESM) training program?” The study was conducted following the first ESM university course offered in Australia with the intention of assessing the learning design and reflecting on the development and practice of ES health practitioners. We explicated three overarching themes common to both the ES health practitioner and for the effective training of healthcare providers in the support of ES endeavors and athletes. These themes were individual, task and environmental factors. The impacts of these findings confirm that ESM courses are vital and should be designed specifically to ensure that practitioners are effectively supported to develop the unique skills necessary for practice in real world extreme sports events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
16 pages, 3840 KiB  
Article
Behavior in Avalanche Terrain: An Exploratory Study of Illegal Snowmobiling in Norway
by Bjørn Michaelsen, Iain Stewart-Patterson, Carsten G. Rolland, Audun Hetland and Rune V. Engeset
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6040; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106040 - 16 May 2022
Viewed by 1950
Abstract
Snowmobilers make a grim and significant contribution to avalanche fatality statistics in Norway. However, there is limited knowledge on the behavior of this group in avalanche terrain and the factors influencing this behavior. Our study documents what snowmobilers do and not do in [...] Read more.
Snowmobilers make a grim and significant contribution to avalanche fatality statistics in Norway. However, there is limited knowledge on the behavior of this group in avalanche terrain and the factors influencing this behavior. Our study documents what snowmobilers do and not do in avalanche terrain, how their behavior relates to managing complex avalanche conditions and if there is a mismatch between avalanche competence, education and riding preferences. This ethnographic study observed snowmobiler tracks and thus avalanche terrain usage in Northern Norway during 2018 and 2019, supported by open-ended conversations with target group riders. Results show that high-marking lost popularity to technical riding, which seems to be perceived as safer despite increased exposure to complex avalanche terrain and conditions with persistent weak layers in the snowpack. The detected mismatch between preferences and avalanche knowledge/attitude will remain an obstacle to future accident prevention efforts unless behavioral changes are addressed. This study of a predominantly illegal activity sheds light on how to explore and observe hard-to-reach illegal activities and should be of interest to a wider audience from other research disciplines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
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16 pages, 324 KiB  
Article
Mission Himalaya: Exploring the Impact of a Supported High-Altitude Mountaineering Expedition on the Well-Being and Personal Development of UK Military Veterans
by Christopher William Philip Kay, Harriet Laura Wingfield and Jim McKenna
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5049; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095049 - 21 Apr 2022
Viewed by 2200
Abstract
Meaningful, positive, emotional and challenging adventurous activities may generate personal growth or recovery from ill health or injury. In this study, we used a distinctive longitudinal and immersive research approach to explore the psychological impact of a high-altitude expedition to the Nepalese Himalaya [...] Read more.
Meaningful, positive, emotional and challenging adventurous activities may generate personal growth or recovery from ill health or injury. In this study, we used a distinctive longitudinal and immersive research approach to explore the psychological impact of a high-altitude expedition to the Nepalese Himalaya on 10 (9 males) UK military veterans with longstanding well-being concerns. In the 12 months prior to the expedition, participants took part in three training weekends in the UK mountains. During the expedition, instructors—who were all experienced health coaches—facilitated reflective practices with the beneficiaries throughout, focusing on experiential transfer to day-to-day lives after the expedition. Follow-up interviews, conducted up to 18-months post-expedition, identified that the most desirable changes aligned with the three innate psychological needs of self-determination theory: autonomy, competence and relatedness. The routines established during the preparation stage and during the expedition itself activated a renewed energy for personal improvement. At 18 months post-expedition, the key changes reflected altered perspective, employment skills and work–life balance, increased physical activity and enhanced personal awareness and mindfulness. Importantly, supported by regular health coaching and focused on the transfer of learning, expeditions can activate meaningful long-term changes to the well-being and personal development of military veterans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
8 pages, 1461 KiB  
Article
Cases of Lightning Strikes during Mountain-Sports Activities: An Analysis of Emergencies from the Swiss Alps
by Benedikt Gasser
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3954; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073954 - 26 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1911
Abstract
Background: Lightning strikes are a risk during mountain-sport activities. Yet little is known about the prevalence of injuries related to lightning strikes during mountain hiking, backcountry skiing, or high-altitude mountaineering. This study therefore examined the occurrence and characteristics of lightning-strike-related emergencies during mountain-sport [...] Read more.
Background: Lightning strikes are a risk during mountain-sport activities. Yet little is known about the prevalence of injuries related to lightning strikes during mountain hiking, backcountry skiing, or high-altitude mountaineering. This study therefore examined the occurrence and characteristics of lightning-strike-related emergencies during mountain-sport activities in the Swiss Alps. Methods: We analyzed 11,221 alpine emergencies during mountain hiking, 4687 during high-altitude mountaineering, and 3044 during backcountry skiing in the observational period from 2009 to 2020. Identified cases were analyzed in detail regarding age, sex, the time of occurrence, altitude, location, the severity of the injury as quantified by its NACA Score (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics Score), and injury pattern. Results: We found no cases related to backcountry skiing. Eight cases of lightning strikes during mountain hiking (four female and four male) were identified. The mean age was 32.5 ± 17.5 years, the mean NACA Score was 2.5 ± 1.9, and the mean altitude was 1883.8 ± 425.7 m. None of these cases were fatal, and only one victim was seriously injured. Fifteen cases were identified during high-altitude mountaineering (four female and 11 male). The mean age was 38.7 ± 5.2 years, the mean NACA Score was 3.1 ± 2.5, and the mean altitude was 3486.4 ± 614.3 m. Two lightning strikes were fatal. In these two cases, rope partners were injured by a lightning strike (NACA Score = 4). Most cases were on relatively exposed terrain, such as the Matterhorn Hörnligrat or the Eiger Mittellegigrat. Discussion: The typical victims were 30–40-year-old men. It is possible that the lightning strikes are a consequence of a lower risk aversion among these alpinists, which is be supported by the fact that most of the events occurred on famous mountains such as the Matterhorn or Eiger. Furthermore, since most of the locations were on relatively exposed terrain where one could not quickly find shelter, we recommend careful tour planning with serious consultation of the weather forecast and the likelihood of thunderstorms before climbing exposed sections to prevent emergencies related to lightning strikes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
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12 pages, 350 KiB  
Article
Personal Resources of Winter and Summer Hikers Visiting the Tatra National Park, Poland
by Piotr Próchniak and Agnieszka Próchniak
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3810; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073810 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1329
Abstract
To assess personal resources: Core Self Evaluations and Psychological Capital (HERO) of 95 winter Hikers (M age = 27.10 yrs.; SD = 7.30) and 98 summer Hikers (M age = 25.30 yrs.; SD = 5.40) visiting the Tatra National Park (Poland). [...] Read more.
To assess personal resources: Core Self Evaluations and Psychological Capital (HERO) of 95 winter Hikers (M age = 27.10 yrs.; SD = 7.30) and 98 summer Hikers (M age = 25.30 yrs.; SD = 5.40) visiting the Tatra National Park (Poland). The hikers filled in seven scales. These were: the Delta Questionnaire for measure Locus of Control, the Neuroticism scale (from the NEO-FFI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), the Hope Scale, The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Ego Resiliency Scale, and The Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R). The results indicated significant differences between winter and summer hikers in the Tatras. The winter hikers scored higher on self-esteem, hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism, and lower on external locus of control and neuroticism than summer hikers. This study also examined the factor structure of the personal resources in the hikers’ samples. The results suggested that the scales extracted two factors: Cognitive Resources and Affective Reactivity. These factors discriminate between winter and summer hikers. The Cognitive Resources factor is more important in effective adaptation to the wild world of nature than Affective Reactivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
9 pages, 341 KiB  
Article
What Is So Special about Wingsuit BASE Jumpers? A Comparative Study of Their Psychological Characteristics
by Pierre Bouchat, Francesco Feletti, Erik Monasterio and Eric Brymer
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 3061; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19053061 - 05 Mar 2022
Viewed by 2097
Abstract
For the general public, BASE jumping is considered the ultimate extreme activity. Among BASE jumpers, those using wingsuits are generally perceived as the most experienced but also as the most risk-taking. Starting from this observation, we wanted to know whether wingsuit users differed [...] Read more.
For the general public, BASE jumping is considered the ultimate extreme activity. Among BASE jumpers, those using wingsuits are generally perceived as the most experienced but also as the most risk-taking. Starting from this observation, we wanted to know whether wingsuit users differed in their psychological characteristics from other BASE jumpers. More specifically, we hypothesized that wingsuit users would be characterized by higher levels of mental toughness and by lower levels of harm avoidance. We also expected them to use more mental training techniques than the other jumpers. To this end, we conducted a vast survey on a sample of 183 BASE jumpers. Contrary to our hypotheses, the results did not reveal any significant difference in psychological characteristics between wingsuit users and other BASE jumpers. This absence of significant differences is discussed and recommendations for the use of mixed or multi-methods in the study of extreme sports are proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
8 pages, 812 KiB  
Article
Has Being Lost While High-Altitude Mountaineering Become Less Frequent? A Retrospective Analysis from the Swiss Alps
by Benedikt Andreas Gasser and Fabian Schwendinger
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1844; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031844 - 06 Feb 2022
Viewed by 1488
Abstract
Background: High-altitude mountaineering is becoming more popular. Despite technical developments such as global positioning systems, mountaineers still lose their way. This study aimed to analyze characteristics of alpinists that lost their way while high-altitude mountaineering in Switzerland. Material and Methods: Data from the [...] Read more.
Background: High-altitude mountaineering is becoming more popular. Despite technical developments such as global positioning systems, mountaineers still lose their way. This study aimed to analyze characteristics of alpinists that lost their way while high-altitude mountaineering in Switzerland. Material and Methods: Data from the central registry of the Swiss Alpine Club between 2009 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Changes in the number of cases and severity of injuries over time were examined using simple linear regression models. Descriptive analyses were performed for age, time of emergency occurrence, and factors associated with being lost. The Mann–Whitney U test assessed between-sex comparisons. Results: Of the 4596 emergency cases during the observation period, 275 cases (5.9%) were due to being lost (76.4% male). A mean of 22.9 ± 9.6 cases per year was detected. The number of cases did not change significantly over time. Similarly, this was the case for the NACA-Score (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics Score) with the majority of mountaineers remaining uninjured (77.8%). The median age was 42 (35–54) years for the full sample and 45 (35–56) years and 40 (33–48) years for males and females, respectively. Fog or weather changes, exhaustion, and inadequate tour planning (time and darkness) were frequently documented by rescuers as perceived reasons for being lost. Regarding the time of emergency occurrence, three peaks were detected, around 10 am, 5 pm, and 8 pm. Conclusions: Our findings show that the number of emergencies due to being lost was stable during the 12-year period. Furthermore, we presented factors that might be associated with losing one’s way during mountaineering. These results may form an important basis for future studies determining risk factors for being lost and the prevention of such emergencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
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7 pages, 1343 KiB  
Article
Rescue Emergencies Due to High-Altitude Illnesses Are Rare in Switzerland
by Benedikt Gasser and Joel Stouder
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020865 - 13 Jan 2022
Viewed by 1741
Abstract
Background: Despite a potential high risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) in the Swiss Alps, there is a lack of analyses concerning its relevance over longer periods. In consequence, the aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence of AMS in comparison [...] Read more.
Background: Despite a potential high risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) in the Swiss Alps, there is a lack of analyses concerning its relevance over longer periods. In consequence, the aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence of AMS in comparison to other causes of mountain emergencies in recent years in Switzerland. Material and Methods: Based on the central registry of mountain emergencies of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), all cases in the period between 2009 and 2020 were analyzed for AMS including the most severe forms of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Emergencies were assessed for the severity of the event with a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) score. Results: From a total of 4596 high-altitude mountaineering emergencies identified in the observational period, a total number of 352 cases of illnesses were detected. Detailed analysis revealed 85 cases of AMS, 5 cases of HAPE, and 1 case of HACE. The average altitude was 3845 ± 540 m. Most cases were in the canton of Valais, especially in the Monte Rosa region and the mountains of the Mischabel group (Täschhorn, Dom, Südlenz, Nadelhorn, Hohberghorn). There were only three deaths related to high-altitude illnesses; all the other events could be identified as moderate to severe but not life-threatening. Discussion: An emergency due to AMS that requires rescue is unlikely in the Swiss Alps. This does not imply that AMS is not a concern. However, the facts that the maximal altitude is relatively low and that fast self-descents often seem possible probably minimize the likelihood that mountaineers with symptoms contact emergency services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
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25 pages, 708 KiB  
Article
Exploration of Psychological Resilience during a 25-Day Endurance Challenge in an Extreme Environment
by David Harrison, Mustafa Sarkar, Chris Saward and Caroline Sunderland
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12707; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312707 - 02 Dec 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4393
Abstract
Psychological resilience is the ability to use personal qualities to withstand pressure, consisting of the interaction between the individual and the environment over time. It is essential when operating in extreme environments which are typically characterised by a complex combination of stressors with [...] Read more.
Psychological resilience is the ability to use personal qualities to withstand pressure, consisting of the interaction between the individual and the environment over time. It is essential when operating in extreme environments which are typically characterised by a complex combination of stressors with increased elements of risk and adversity. Psychological resilience has never been investigated “live” (e.g., in the moment) throughout the duration of an extreme endurance challenge, despite anecdotal accounts of the need for resilience to successfully function in such environments. The aim of the study was to explore psychological resilience with challenge team members (n = 4, mean age = 46.0 years) involved in a 25-day extreme endurance challenge. The object of the challenge was to ‘TAB’ (Tactical Advance to Battle, fast marching with weighted packs) 100 peaks in the UK in 25 days and complete long-distance bike rides between base camps. A mixed-methods approach with a focus on qualitative methods was utilised. Specifically, individual reflective video diaries (n = 47) and focus groups (n = 4) were completed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). At the same time, the 10-item Connor Davidson Resilience Scale was employed to measure resilience, which highlighted the individualised and dynamic nature of resilience. Two superordinate themes were identified from the video diaries and focus groups, namely, the identification of the stressors within extreme environments and strategies to maintain functioning. Stressors were split into subordinate themes of significant and every day, and collectively, they created a cluster effect which contributed to pressure associated with operating in these environments. Challenge team members employed various strategies to maintain functioning, including using a challenge mindset to positively appraise pressure as a challenging learning experience. Further research should continue to develop an understanding of how participants completing challenges within extreme environments utilise and develop personal qualities to maintain functioning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
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22 pages, 546 KiB  
Article
Powder Fever and Its Impact on Decision-Making in Avalanche Terrain
by Andrea Mannberg, Jordy Hendrikx, Jerry Johnson and Audun Hetland
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9496; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189496 - 09 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2927
Abstract
We examined the effect of emotions, associated with “powder fever”, on decision-making in avalanche terrain. Background: Skiing in avalanche terrain is a voluntary activity that exposes the participant to potentially fatal risk. Impaired decision-making in this context can therefore have devastating results, often [...] Read more.
We examined the effect of emotions, associated with “powder fever”, on decision-making in avalanche terrain. Background: Skiing in avalanche terrain is a voluntary activity that exposes the participant to potentially fatal risk. Impaired decision-making in this context can therefore have devastating results, often with limited prior corrective feedback and learning opportunities. Previous research has suggested that arousal caused by emotions affects risk assessment and intentions to engage in risky behavior. We propose that powder fever may induce similar responses. Methods: We used the following two experimental methods: laboratory studies with visual visceral stimuli (ski movies) and a field study with real stimuli (skiing exciting terrain). We evaluated the effect of emotions on attention, risk assessment, and willingness to expose oneself and others to risk. Results: Both the laboratory studies and the field study showed that skiing-related stimuli had a relatively strong effect on reported emotions. However, we found very few significant effects on decision-making or assessment of risk. Conclusions: Skiing activities make people happier. However, despite the clear parallels to sexual arousal, powder fever does not appear to significantly impair decision-making in our study. More research on the effects of powder fewer on milder forms of risk-taking behavior is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
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Review

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17 pages, 767 KiB  
Review
Telemedicine in Sports under Extreme Conditions: Data Transmission, Remote Medical Consultations, and Diagnostic Imaging
by Nicola Pegoraro, Benedetta Rossini, Melchiore Giganti, Eric Brymer, Erik Monasterio, Pierre Bouchat and Francesco Feletti
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(14), 6371; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146371 - 15 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1457
Abstract
Telemedical technologies provide significant benefits in sports for performance monitoring and early recognition of many medical issues, especially when sports are practised outside a regulated playing field, where participants are exposed to rapidly changing environmental conditions or specialised medical assistance is unavailable. We [...] Read more.
Telemedical technologies provide significant benefits in sports for performance monitoring and early recognition of many medical issues, especially when sports are practised outside a regulated playing field, where participants are exposed to rapidly changing environmental conditions or specialised medical assistance is unavailable. We provide a review of the medical literature on the use of telemedicine in adventure and extreme sports. Out of 2715 unique sport citations from 4 scientific databases 16 papers met the criteria, which included all research papers exploring the use of telemedicine for monitoring performance and health status in extreme environments. Their quality was assessed by a double-anonymised review with a specifically designed four-item scoring system. Telemedicine was used in high-mountain sports (37.5%; n = 6), winter sports (18.7%; n = 3), water sports (25%; n = 4), and long-distance land sports (18.7%; n = 3). Telemedicine was used for data transfer, teleconsulting, and the execution of remote-controlled procedures, including imaging diagnostics. Telemedical technologies were also used to diagnose and treat sport-related and environmentally impacted injuries, including emergencies in three extreme conditions: high mountains, ultraendurance activities, and in/under the water. By highlighting sport-specific movement patterns or physiological and pathological responses in extreme climatic conditions and environments, telemedicine may result in better preparation and development of strategies for an in-depth understanding of the stress of the metabolic, cardiorespiratory, biomechanical, or neuromuscular system, potentially resulting in performance improvement and injury prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
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12 pages, 345 KiB  
Review
The Ecological Dynamics Framework: An Innovative Approach to Performance in Extreme Environments: A Narrative Review
by Ludovic Seifert, Guillaume Hacques and John Komar
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2753; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052753 - 27 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2796
Abstract
(1) Background: Uncertainty in extreme sports performance environments, such as climbing, provides considerable psycho-emotional and physiological demands, notably due to the many different environments in which climbing can be performed. This variety of environments, conditions of practice and engagement would challenge the acquisition [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Uncertainty in extreme sports performance environments, such as climbing, provides considerable psycho-emotional and physiological demands, notably due to the many different environments in which climbing can be performed. This variety of environments, conditions of practice and engagement would challenge the acquisition of perceptual-motor skills; (2) Methods: To better understand how perceptual-motor skills are controlled and acquired in climbing, we proposed a narrative review anchored in the ecological dynamics theoretical framework and showed how this theoretical framework would support a nonlinear pedagogy to skill acquisition and to design safe learning and training situations that are representative of extreme performance contexts; (3) Results: We explained three theoretical pillars and we provide examples for design intervention following nonlinear pedagogy, notably (i) to set a constraint-led approach (in particular task constraint), (ii) to implement conditions of practice (constant vs. variable, imposed vs. self-controlled), (iii) to promote adaptive and creative behavioral variability during practice; (4) Conclusions: The challenge for the extreme sport practitioner is how to set up conditions of practice for efficient exploration in a manner that manages the dangers of performing in uncertain environments. Representing uncertainty within the relative safety of indoor settings may be one approach for preparing climbers for performance in extreme environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
14 pages, 1022 KiB  
Review
Feeling and Thinking about It Are Two Different Things: How to Capture Momentary Emotions of Extreme Sports in the Field
by Audun Hetland
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031290 - 24 Jan 2022
Viewed by 3023
Abstract
To learn about extreme sports and what motivates such activities, we need to understand the emotions embedded in the experience itself. However, how we go about assessing these emotions might provide us with very different answers. An experience is a fleeting and ever-changing [...] Read more.
To learn about extreme sports and what motivates such activities, we need to understand the emotions embedded in the experience itself. However, how we go about assessing these emotions might provide us with very different answers. An experience is a fleeting and ever-changing phenomenon, rich in detail and filled with nuances. What we remember and, therefore, what we are able to report from our experience might, however, be strikingly different to what we experienced. Our memories are grained by time, impaired by arousal, and affected by context. Despite these limitations, the most common way to measure an experience is by self reporting. The current paper reviews some of the relevant theory on emotions and how this might impact different assessments. I also describe a new way of measuring momentary emotions in the field by use of video cameras and automatic coding of facially expressed emotions. Extreme sports may leave us with positive memories but may be anything but pleasant while in the midst of them. In the end, this paper may give some hints to why. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
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18 pages, 1223 KiB  
Review
Learning and Expertise in Mineral Exploration Decision-Making: An Ecological Dynamics Perspective
by Rhys Samuel Davies, Marianne Julia Davies, David Groves, Keith Davids, Eric Brymer, Allan Trench, John Paul Sykes and Michael Dentith
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9752; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189752 - 16 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3840
Abstract
The declining discovery rate of world-class ore deposits represents a significant obstacle to future global metal supply. To counter this trend, there is a requirement for mineral exploration to be conducted in increasingly challenging, uncertain, and remote environments. Faced with such increases in [...] Read more.
The declining discovery rate of world-class ore deposits represents a significant obstacle to future global metal supply. To counter this trend, there is a requirement for mineral exploration to be conducted in increasingly challenging, uncertain, and remote environments. Faced with such increases in task and environmental complexity, an important concern in exploratory activities are the behavioural challenges of information perception, interpretation and decision-making by geoscientists tasked with discovering the next generation of deposits. Here, we outline the Dynamics model, as a diagnostic tool for situational analysis and a guiding framework for designing working and training environments to maximise exploration performance. The Dynamics model is based on an Ecological Dynamics framework, combining Newell’s Constraints model, Self Determination Theory, and including feedback loops to define an autopoietic system. By implication of the Dynamics model, several areas are highlighted as being important for improving the quality of exploration. These include: (a) provision of needs-supportive working environments that promote appropriate degrees of effort, autonomy, creativity and technical risk-taking; (b) an understanding of the wider motivational context, particularly the influence of tradition, culture and other ‘forms of life’ that constrain behaviour; (c) relevant goal-setting in the design of corporate strategies to direct exploration activities; and (d) development of practical, representative scenario-based training interventions, providing effective learning environments, with digital media and technologies presenting decision-outcome feedback, to assist in the development of expertise in mineral exploration targeting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Wellbeing and Performance in Extreme Environments)
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