Physical Capacity and Energy Expenditure of Cavers.

Virginia Pinna,Elisabetta Marini,Giovanna Ghiani,Gianmarco Sainas,Samuele Vanni,Sergio Olla,Sara Magnani,Andrea C Rinaldi,Filippo Tocco,Nicoletta Curreli,Stefano Cabras,Antonio Crisafulli,Paulo Farinatti,Giorgia Antoni

doi:10.3389/fphys.2017.01067

Abstract

Caves are an extreme environment for humans because of the high humidity, mud, darkness, and slippery conditions. Explorations can last many hours or even days, and require extensive climbing and ropework. Very little is known about the physical capacity of cavers and their energy expenditure (EE) during caving. The physical capacity of 17 (7 females) expert cavers (age 43.9 ± 7.3 years) was assessed during an incremental cycle-ergometer test (IET) with gas exchange analysis. Moreover, a wearable metabolic band (Armband Fit Core) was used to estimate their EE during caving. In terms of physical capacity, the IET showed that cavers had a maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) of 2,248.7 ± 657.8 ml·min−1 (i.e., 32.4 ± 6.4 ml·kg−1·min−1), while anaerobic threshold (AT) occurred on average at 74.5% of VO2max. Results from caving sessions provided an average time spent in cave of 9.4 ± 1.2 h while the average EE was 268.8 ± 54.8 kcal·h−1, which corresponded to about 40% of VO2max measured during IET. A mean distance of 10.6 ± 2.2 km was covered by subjects. Data from the present investigation provide evidence that cavers have a level of aerobic physical capacity only slightly higher than that of sedentary people, thereby suggesting that a high aerobic fitness is not needed by cavers. Moreover, during caving the EE was on average well below the level of AT. However, in absolute terms, the total EE was elevated (i.e., 2,672.3 ± 576 kcal in total) due to the long time spent in caving.

Highlights

Caves are abundant around the world and are explored for recreational and physical activity purposes by thousands of cavers
Results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test applied to the mean values are displayed in Figure 2A, while panel Figures 2B,C shows separate data for female and male subjects respectively
The present investigation is aimed at studying the EE in a group of skilled cavers

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Caves are abundant around the world and are explored for recreational and physical activity purposes by thousands of cavers. Cave environments are hostile and extreme for humans because of high humidity, mud, darkness, and slippery They are found in a great variety of settings, from cold alpine to warm tropical rain forests. The EE during a typical session of a subterranean cave exploration was measured and compared to the level of physical capacity previously assessed in a laboratory setting to understand the level of effort experienced by cavers in relation to their physical capacity. This information would be useful for coaches to design specific training programs on the basis of the specific EE required by caving

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RESULTS

DISCUSSION