Wild trekking as an opportunity for rapidly improving anthropometrics, cardiorespiratory and muscular performance in active older adults: the Sardinia “Selvaggio Blu” experience

Purpose: To test the safety and feasibility of a challenging wild trekking 5-day experience and its acute effects on anthropometrics and cardiorespiratory and muscular performance in healthy older adults with mountaineering expertise. Methods: Twelve healthy active volunteers in their sixth decade of life of comparable training status, mountaineering experience and age were recruited. Before and after engaging in a 5-day wild trek (“Selvaggio Blu”, Sardinia, Italy), participants underwent a comprehensive evaluation of anthropometrics, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and flexibility, balance, and lipidic profile. Results: The wild trekking was well tolerated by all participants who, however, reported moderate pain at the ankle joint (mean: 59.2 ± 13.1 mm). Following the trek, suprailiac fold decreased both in men (− 21.9%; p = 0.006) and women (− 34.5%; p = 0.007). Fat mass was also significantly reduced (men: − 8.5%; p = 0.001; women: − 6.6%; p = 0.014). Gender-based differences emerged for energy expenditure, with women displaying higher caloric expenditure to complete the trek (women: 12.88 ± 3.37 kcal/h/kg; men: 9.27 ± 0.89 kcal/h/kg). Likewise, VO2 peak increased only in women (+ 12%; p = 0.013). Center of pressure sway area during closed eyes single stance was found increased, i.e., worsened, both in men (+ 251%; p = 0.027) and women (+ 71%; p = 0.043). Conclusions: With all due caution, especially for balance and proprioception, wild trekking routes offer unique opportunities to rapidly improve anthropometrics, cardiorespiratory and muscular performance. For older adults with technical and physical preparedness for this type of demanding activity, wild trekking has the potential to evolve from a niche activity for alpine mountaineers into a safe and feasible recreational activity and leisure pursuit.