Spirometry Changes in Cold Climatic Conditions of Antarctica

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Environmental Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Pulmonary function is sensitive to environmental changes, including altitude.
• Limited research exists on lung function in Antarctica's cold climate.
• This study investigated pulmonary function in Indian Antarctic expedition members.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in pulmonary function variables during a one-year stay in Antarctica.
• To evaluate the impact of the Antarctic environment on lung capacity and airflow.

Main Methods:

• Spirometry was performed on 23 participants from the XXVI Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica.
• Measurements were taken at baseline, six months, and one year.
• Tests adhered to standard guidelines in a controlled indoor laboratory environment.

Main Results:

• Most pulmonary function parameters showed no significant variation over the study period.
• Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) exhibited a non-significant decreasing trend.
• Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction.

Conclusions:

• The study found no consistent significant alterations in pulmonary function parameters among Indian Antarctic expedition members.
• While PEFR decreased significantly, overall lung function remained largely unaffected by the Antarctic environment over one year.