[Increased cortisol levels, frostbite and effects on the muscles and skeleton during extreme polar conditions].
BACKGROUND
We wanted to record physiological changes, injuries and illnesses during a long sledge expedition in North Canada.


METHODS
The expedition consisted of four men aged 41 to 50, and 16 polar dogs. Measurements of cortisol in saliva were performed before, during and after the expedition. Frostbites and other injuries were registered continuously. Body weight and muscle, fat and bone mass were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry scanning, and strength and endurance of shoulders, knees and back were tested. The group encountered extreme frost (-30 to -42 degrees C day temperature), wind, unexpected amounts of pack ice, and poorly motivated dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
The participants showed increased free cortisol levels during their stay on the ice, probably because of increased mental stress. Three got first degree and two second-degree frostbites, but the affected areas were normal on vascular examination five months later. All members increased their muscle mass, but muscle strength and endurance remained unchanged.
Steine
Kjetil
K
Medisinsk avdeling, Aker universitetssykehus, 0514 Oslo. kjetil.steine@ioks.uio.no
Røseth
Arne G
AG
Sandbaek
Gunnar
G
Murison
Robert
R
Slagsvold
Carl-Erik
CE
Keller
Anne
A
Falch
Jan A
JA
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D015519:Bone Density; D003081:Cold Climate / Q000009:adverse effects; D004285:Dogs; D005101:Expeditions; D005627:Frostbite / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D015873:Northwest Territories; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology*
D006854:Hydrocortisone