Impact Of Data Collection In A Polar Environment On Physiological Fitness: A Pilot Study

Physiological demands in a polar environment come with challenges. However, identifying a minimum fitness threshold for the safety of researchers working in these environments is still being determined. PURPOSE:: To observe the fitness changes after 1 to 2 months in a polar environment during midnight sun with research students. METHODS: Two teams, comprising 4 master students (1 man and 3 women per team, aged 27 ± 3 years) assigned to Bylot Island for environmental research were recruited. Anthropometric measures (%body fat and lean mass), maximal aerobic running speed on a treadmill test, strength tests (grip strength, 1RM leg press), endurance tests (push-up and chair position), and flexibility tests (sit and reach and ankle mobility test) were conducted before and after the expedition (pre-VS. post). Given the sample characteristics, a paired Wilcoxon was used. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed for the %body fat (17,4 ± 5,8 VS 17,1 ± 6,0%, Z = -0,93, p = 0,35) and lean mass (24,6 ± 8,2 VS 23,4 ± 9,5 kg, Z˂0,001, p = 1,00), the VO2peak (50 ± 5 VS 49 ± 3 ml/kg/min, Z = -0,95, p = 0,34), maximal speed running (14 ± 1 VS 14 ± 1Km/h, Z = -1,00, p = 0,32), the 1RM leg press (369 ± 67 VS 429 ± 83 lb, Z = -1,82, p = 0,07), the chair position (132 ± 34 sec, Z˂0,001, p = 1,00) and the flexibility at sit and reach and the ankle mobility (30 ± 5 VS 29 ± 6 cm, Z = -0,54, p = 0,59 and 17 ± 5 VS 16 ± 4 cm, Z = -1,86, p = 0,06 respectively). However, grip strength (66,5 ± 27,8 VS 74,8 ± 21,9 kg, Z = -2,24, p = 0,03) and the push-up (19 ± 6 VS 24 ± 11 repetitions, Z = -1,95, p = 0,05) were significantly higher post-expedition. CONCLUSIONS: The participant demonstrated physical capacities within the good or excellent fitness categories for their age and sex, as per the ACSM guidelines. No signs of physical ability decay or stress injuries were observed post-expedition. The on-site nutritional balance and physical preparation seemed adequate for their work demands in the polar environment. Additionally, the tasks performed during the research contributed to an improvement in upper body strength and endurance. 6000 and used of Grammarly to improve the english