A longitudinal study of the effect of Antarctic residence on energy dynamics and aerobic fitness

OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of Antarctic residence on energy dynamics and aerobic fitness over the course of a year in over-wintering personnel. STUDY DESIGN A prospective longitudinal observational study. METHODS A convenience sample of personnel over-wintering at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica was studied. Body weight, body fat, food intake, activity and aerobic fitness were recorded every 30 days for 1 year. Body weight, body fat and food intake were measured using weighing scales, skinfold callipers and diet records, respectively; activity was measured using accelerometer-based activity trackers and aerobic fitness using a treadmill protocol. Climate markers of temperature and sunlight hours were also recorded. RESULTS Twenty-one subjects took part in the study over the 12-month period. A statistically significant increase in body weight and body fat in winter was observed (p=0.012 and p=0.049, respectively). There were no statistically significant trends in activity, food intake or aerobic fitness. CONCLUSIONS There were significant seasonal changes in body weight and body fat, with both measures increasing in winter but no significant changes in the other main outcome measures.