The effect of Antarctic residence on energy dynamics and aerobic fitness

Abstract

Objective. To review the current literature that describes the effect of Antarctic residence on energy dynamics and aerobic fitness. Study design. Literature review. Methods. Published literature on energy dynamics and aerobic fitness in the polar environment was reviewed. Energy dynamics were represented by body weight, body fat, food intake and energy expenditure. Consideration was given to seasonal variation and possible explanations for the apparent high metabolic cost of Antarctic residence. The influence of cold exposure was discussed and comment was made on the differences between temperate and polar residence. Results. Food intake and energy expenditure are found to increase with Antarctic residence. There is often an associated increase in body weight and body fat. Seasonal variation is common but not universal, with an increase in body weight and body fat in winter. Variation in aerobic fitness appears to be related to the specific study sample rather than Antarctic residence per se. Conclusions. In most instances, Antarctic residence has effects on energy dynamics and aerobic fitness. Explanations for the observed changes may include physiological adaptations, such as a raised basal metabolic rate and increased thermogenesis. However, cold-induced changes are less likely when cold exposure is minimized by heated buildings and insulated clothing. Activity patterns related to work and leisure thus represent a more likely cause. The majority of the research is several decades old; further research would help to elucidate the patterns of energy dynamics of modern Antarctic workers. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2010; 69(3):220-235)

XP-Antarctik Expedition: The Effect of a Month-Long Expedition in Antarctica on Physiological Performance

“…The impact of a Polar expedition on fitness performance is controversial and depends on activity patterns and the time and conditions of exposure (Simpson, 2010). Physical fitness improvements that occurred after six weeks of outdoor work in a cold environment have been shown by Budd (1965).…”

“…This high energy expense can have a detrimental effect on muscle performance due to the fact that energy store depletion can reach a critical level for muscle function (Halsey & Stroud, 2012). In fact, a skitrekking expedition can induce negative balance energy, where the energy that can be ingested cannot reach the amount of the energy expended such as due to the intensity of sledge pulling, the altitude, sleep deprivation, the snow resistance, and the cold temperature (Frykman et al, 2003;Halsey & Stroud, 2012;Simpson, 2010). Furthermore, muscle performance deterioration has also been linked to fluid retention in response to malnutrition (Halsey & Stroud, 2012).…”

“…However, only a few studies have reported physiological consequences of a prolonged expedition without external support (complete autonomy) in the Polar environment (Bishop et al, 2001;Frykman et al, 2003;Halsey et al, 2016;Halsey & Stroud, 2012;Stroud, Coward, & Sawyer, 1993). During a completed autonomy expedition, most explorers use sledge pulling with skis to trek across the Polar environment where the equipment and scientific knowledge have improved much since the Antarctica expedition golden age (Halsey & Stroud, 2012;Simpson, 2010). Moreover, there is still much to discover about human responses in this extreme environment.…”

“…Despite modern technology and research knowledge, Antarctica is still extremely hostile to humans (Acheson, Campbell, Edholm, Miller, & Stock, 1980;Bishop, Grobler, & Schjoii, 2001;Frykman et al, 2003). Antarctica holds the world's record for the coldest temperature that has been registered, as well as the windiest, highest, and driest continent (Kennedy, 1993;Simpson, 2010;Stocks, Taylor, Tipton, & Greenleaf, 2004). However, only a few studies have reported physiological consequences of a prolonged expedition without external support (complete autonomy) in the Polar environment (Bishop et al, 2001;Frykman et al, 2003;Halsey et al, 2016;Halsey & Stroud, 2012;Stroud, Coward, & Sawyer, 1993).…”

The changes in maximal oxygen uptake (V̊O2MAX) induced by physical exertion during an Antarctic expedition depend on the initial V̊O2MAX of the individuals: a case study of the Brazilian expedition

“…Because of the physical effort required to subsist and work in Antarctica [2], studies have sought to understand the changes in aerobic fitness caused by Antarctic expeditions, as determined by changes in maximum oxygen consumption (V̊O 2MAX ). Aerobic fitness increased after 42 [3] or 75 [4] days of work; however, divergent results include reduced aerobic fitness reported after the Soviet-Canadian 1988 Polar Bridge Expedition that lasted 90 days [5].…”