[Skiing over Greenland--physical and psychological changes]

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Psychology
• Human Performance

Context:

• Exploration and extreme environments present unique physiological and psychological challenges.
• Understanding human adaptation to severe physical and mental stress is crucial for performance and health.
• Previous research often focuses on survival, with less emphasis on psychological benefits and body composition changes.

Purpose:

• To investigate the effects of a demanding unsupported ski expedition across Greenland's inland ice on body composition, physiological markers, and psychological well-being.
• To assess changes in body weight, lean body mass, body fat, maximal oxygen uptake, lung capacity, and blood parameters.
• To evaluate subjective health-related well-being and arousal states during and after the expedition.

Summary:

• Three physicians completed an unsupported ski expedition across Greenland's inland glacier.
• Measurements included dual X-ray absorptiometry scanning, maximal oxygen uptake, lung capacity, blood tests, and psychological assessments (GHQ-30, AD ACL).
• Participants experienced increased lean body mass, reduced body fat, and enhanced psychological well-being (energy, calmness), with these changes reversing post-expedition. Bone mass, lung function, and blood tests remained stable. Catabolic conditions were avoided.

Impact:

• Expeditions involving significant physical and mental strain can yield positive psychological adaptations.
• Body composition can be favorably altered, with lean mass increasing and fat mass decreasing.
• Catabolic states are preventable, and body composition shifts are reversible, suggesting resilience in human physiology and psychology.