Experience from the selection and nutritional preparation for Expedition ICE MAIDEN: the first successful all-female unassisted Antarctic traverse

Abstract

IntroductionExpedition ICE MAIDEN (Ex IM) was the first all-female unsupported crossing of Antarctica. We describe the prerequisite selection and training, comparing those who formed the final team with other participants, and discuss how the expedition diet was established.MethodsAll women serving in the British Army were invited to participate. Following initial assessments, successful women completed three training/selection ski expeditions. Between expeditions 1 and 2, participants completed 6 months rigorous UK-based training. Weight was measured before and after the 6 months UK-based training, expeditions 2 and 3, and body composition by skinfold before and after expedition 2. Participant feedback, body composition and weight changes were applied to modify the expedition diet and provide weight gain targets prior to Ex IM.ResultsFollowing 250 applications, 50 women were assessed and 22, 12 and seven women attended training expeditions 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The final team of six women lost more weight than other participants during UK-based training (mean (SD) change −1.3 (1.5) kg vs −0.5 (1.6) kg, respectively, p=0.046) and during training expedition 2 (−2.8 (0.8) kg vs −1.7 (0.4) kg, respectively, p=0.048), when they also gained more lean mass (+2.1 (0.8) kg vs +0.4 (0.7) kg, respectively, p=0.004). The Ex IM diet provided 5000 kCal/day, comprising approximately 45% carbohydrate, 45% fat and 10% protein. Median (range) weight change between expedition 3 and Ex IM was +8.7 (−1.9 to +14.3) kg.ConclusionsThe selected Ex IM team demonstrated favourable training-associated body composition changes. Training-associated weight loss informed the expeditionary diet design.

A comparison of the metabolic effects of sustained strenuous activity in polar environments on men and women

“…This was the first all-female team to use muscle power alone to ski coast-to-coast across (https ://exice maide n.com). The six participants in this British Army expedition were selected from 250 volunteers, all serving members of the British armed forces, following 2 years of selection and training activities 26 . During the expedition, participants were provided with individually pre-packaged daily food packs which had a mean nutritional value of 20.9 MJ day −1 (5,000 kcal day −1 ) with a macronutrient breakdown of 45% carbohydrate, 45% fat and 10% protein with an estimated average consumption of 85%.…”