title: Physiological and Cognitive Responses to an Antarctic Expedition: A Case Report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess changes in body composition and monitor cognitive function, subjective well-being, and physiological stress, as measured by salivary hormones and markers of mucosal immunity, during an Antarctic expedition.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 36-y-old man (188.2 cm height, 94.5 kg body mass) took part in a world-record attempt. A total-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and measurement of 8 skinfolds and 5 girths were performed before and after the expedition. In addition, daily subjective data were recorded (sleep quality, total hours of sleep, energy levels, perceived exertion, mood, muscle soreness, and muscle/joint pain) along with distance covered and hours of physical activity per day. As a measure of cognitive function, the athlete completed a computerized battery of tasks (Axon Sports Cognitive Priming Application) every third morning. Saliva samples were collected before, during, and after the expedition to determine salivary cortisol (sCort), testosterone (sT), alpha amylase (sAA), and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The athlete lost 5.3 kg body mass and sum of 8 skinfolds decreased from 73 mm to 59 mm from preexpedition to postexpedition. Psychomotor speed declined over the course of the expedition. sT increased and sCort decreased throughout, and sAA and sIgA peaked toward the end of the expedition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case study provides novel data about the physiological and cognitive impact of an Antarctic expedition. The findings may inform strategies for future expeditions, allowing individuals undertaking expeditions of this nature to better prepare for success.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anton-Solanas
authors.forename: Barry V
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: O'Neill
authors.forename: Tessa E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dunbar
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D050154:Adiposity; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000864:Antarctic Regions; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D001823:Body Composition; D003071:Cognition; D005101:Expeditions; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D015431:Weight Loss; D000516:alpha-Amylases / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; D013739:Testosterone; D000516:alpha-Amylases; D006854:Hydrocortisone
keywords: Antarctica; body composition; cognitive function; salivary hormones