Red cell and core temperature in spelunking

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Human Physiology
• Cave Exploration Science

Background:

• Alpine spelunking involves extreme conditions: darkness, isolation, cold, and high humidity.
• Prolonged strenuous physical activity without rest or sleep poses unique physiological challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acute hematological effects of prolonged strenuous activity during alpine spelunking.
• To assess thermoregulatory responses in spelunkers during cave exploration.

Main Methods:

• Five spelunkers' hematological parameters (red cell count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, plasma volume) were measured.
• Rectal temperature was monitored to estimate thermoregulatory response.
• Measurements were taken during a 20-hour cave expedition at various time points.

Main Results:

• Significant hemoconcentration was observed at the cave's bottom, indicated by increased red cell counts and hemoglobin, and decreased plasma volume.
• Post-expedition, hemodilution occurred, with a drop in red cell parameters and a rise in plasma volumes.
• Rectal temperatures peaked upon exiting the cave, suggesting significant exertion.

Conclusions:

• Alpine spelunking induces a biphasic hematological response: initial hemoconcentration followed by hemodilution.
• The study indicates spelunking is a highly strenuous sport, potentially leading to thermoregulatory challenges.
• No evidence of sport anemia was found in the participants.