Shephard R J
School of Physical and Health Education, University of Toronto, Canada.
Arctic Med Res. 1991 Jan;50(1):25-9.
Findings from the recent Canadian/Soviet transpolar skitrek are reviewed. Comparison of field heart rate measurements with laboratory data suggests a high rate of energy expenditure over the trek; the 13 participants covered some 20 km/day at a speed of about 3.5 km/h, while carrying 37-45 kg packs. Strength increased and body fat decreased over the journey, but aerobic power data showed an anomalous decline, possibly related in part to intensive pre-trip training and an increase of skiing efficiency during the trek. Two of the 13 participants suffered sufficient local cold exposure to develop significant frostbite, and all had sufficient cold exposure to show some general cold acclimatization. Eight of the 13 also suffered from excessive ultraviolet exposure. The main psychological problems were related to inter-personal conflicts and difficulties of communication between the two teams. Hormonal changes were extensive, but generally in line with expectations for a combination of vigorous exercise, cold exposure and psychological stress. Nutritional responses reflect a high rate of fat usage, with a significant increase of HDL-cholesterol levels. It is concluded that well-trained young and middle-aged adults from an urban environment can participate in a well-planned and prolonged arctic winter traverse without serious adverse effects on either physiological or psychological systems.
本文回顾了近期加拿大/苏联跨极地滑雪旅行的研究结果。将实地心率测量结果与实验室数据进行比较表明，此次旅行期间能量消耗率很高；13名参与者背负37至45公斤的背包，以约3.5公里/小时的速度每天行进约20公里。在旅途中，力量增强，体脂减少，但有氧能力数据显示出异常下降，这可能部分与旅行前的强化训练以及旅行期间滑雪效率的提高有关。13名参与者中有两人因局部受冷程度足够严重而患上了严重冻伤，所有人都有足够的冷暴露经历，显示出一定程度的全身冷适应。13名参与者中有8人还遭受了过度紫外线照射。主要的心理问题与人际冲突以及两队之间的沟通困难有关。激素变化广泛，但总体上符合剧烈运动、冷暴露和心理压力综合作用下的预期。营养反应反映出脂肪利用率很高，高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平显著升高。研究得出结论，来自城市环境的训练有素的中青年能够参与精心规划的、为期较长的北极冬季穿越活动，而不会对生理或心理系统造成严重不良影响。
