Changes in aerobic performance, body composition, and physical activity in polar explorers during a year-long stay at the polar station in the Arctic.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in physical activity, aerobic performance, and body composition in polar explorers during a 1-year stay at the polar station. The study group consisted of 10 people, including 8 men and 2 women. Aerobic performance (maximal oxygen uptake), physical activity, body mass, and composition were evaluated for the polar explores of the Polish Polar Station prior to departure, and then during their stay at the station for a period of 1year. The measurements were performed every 3months. Compared to the measurements taken before going to the polar station, aerobic performance significantly (p=0.02) increased in the first 3months of residing at the polar station and then remained relatively stable for the following duration of the stay. In the first 3months of the stay, we also observed the highest level of physical activity in participants. In the polar explorers, no significant (p>0.05) body fatness changes were noted. Nonetheless, lean body mass, body mass, and BMI significantly increased compared to the measurements taken before departure to the polar station. The greatest changes in aerobic performance, physical activity, and body composition were observed during the first 3months after arrival to the Arctic and then, despite changing biometeorological conditions, they remained stable for the next months of the stay. We recommend the introduction of a physical preparation program before departing to the polar station to improve explorers' physical fitness, so that they can meet the physical challenges they are faced with immediately after arrival to the polar station.