The effect of Antarctic residence on energy dynamics and aerobic fitness.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current literature that describes the effect of Antarctic residence on energy dynamics and aerobic fitness.


METHODS
Literature review.


METHODS
Published literature on energy dynamics and aerobic fitness in the polar environment was reviewed. Energy dynamics were represented by body weight, body fat, food intake and energy expenditure. Consideration was given to seasonal variation and possible explanations for the apparent high metabolic cost of Antarctic residence. The influence of cold exposure was discussed and comment was made on the differences between temperate and polar residence.


RESULTS
Food intake and energy expenditure are found to increase with Antarctic residence. There is often an associated increase in body weight and body fat. Seasonal variation is common but not universal, with an increase in body weight and body fat in winter. Variation in aerobic fitness appears to be related to the specific study sample rather than Antarctic residence per se.


CONCLUSIONS
In most instances, Antarctic residence has effects on energy dynamics and aerobic fitness. Explanations for the observed changes may include physiological adaptations, such as a raised basal metabolic rate and increased thermogenesis. However, cold-induced changes are less likely when cold exposure is minimized by heated buildings and insulated clothing. Activity patterns related to work and leisure thus represent a more likely cause. The majority of the research is several decades old; further research would help to elucidate the patterns of energy dynamics of modern Antarctic workers.
Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, United Kingdom. alistair@altitude.org
Alistair
A
Simpson
D000064:Acclimatization; D000864:Antarctic Regions; D001835:Body Weight; D003081:Cold Climate; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012621:Seasons