Physiological adaptations and activity recorded at a polar base

Physiological parameters and activity were recorded monthly on 19 men wintering at a polar base. A comparison was made between those in their first Antarctic winter (Group A, n = 13) and those in their second consecutive Antarctic winter (Group B, n = 6). Group A were more active (p less than 0.001) and spent more time outside (p less than 0.001) during the summer months than during the darker and colder winter period. Combined data showed no correlation between total activity and meteorological conditions, but a clear (p less than 0.001) negative correlation with time spent outside and wind speed. In the first part of the year group A became fitter (as shown by a lower heart rate at a VO2 1.51 min-1), increased basal oxygen uptake under standard conditions and put on body and fat mass. These changes were not demonstrated in group B living and working under identical conditions. Lean body mass of both groups rose throughout the year (A, p less than 0.001; B, p less than 0.05). These data suggested that the changes in physiological parameters in group A were in response to the life style and activity of a polar base, rather than to the Antarctic climate per se.