Background

Antarctic expeditions, although supported by scientific knowledge, face various challenges, with little research conducted to explore the physical demands that explorers experience.

Objective

To summarise physiological, psychological, body composition and nutritional changes faced during trek expeditions in the Antarctic’s continental portion.

Design

Systematic review.

Information sources

We used PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane databases, CINAHL and Medline Ovid to search for studies published up to January 2023.

Eligibility criteria

We included original articles or case reports published in English and in peer-reviewed journals, involving both sexes, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, that considered Antarctic continent expedition, as well as solo exploration/group exploration. Animal studies, in vitro studies, explorers < 18 years of age, overwintering at research stations, tourist/organized visits to Antarctica or the South Pole, not sleeping on the ice, and ultraendurance events were excluded. The JBI critical appraisal checklist for case studies was used for quality assessment.

Results

A total of 12 studies met the eligibility criteria. The main findings are reversible changes in bone density and mineral content. Despite high-calorie intake (5000 kcal/day or more), participants experienced body weight loss and a decrease in appetite-regulating hormones. Motivation and goal orientation, positive interpersonal communication and support are important skills during polar expeditions. Multidisciplinary research revealed various physiological and cognitive responses, disrupted sleep patterns and mood changes.

Conclusion

Prolonged hypobaric hypoxia reduces aerobic capacity and increases anaerobic metabolism, while bone density changes are reversible and weight loss occurs despite high-calorie intake. Effective decision-making, teamwork and personal growth are crucial for Antarctic explorers. Future studies need to investigate strategies on how to improve physiological functions while maintaining homeostasis.

Registration

PROSPERO—CRD42022382609.

中文翻译：

---

南极探险：对穿越大陆冰层跋涉的生理、营养、身体成分和心理反应的系统评价

 背景

南极探险虽然有科学知识的支持，但面临着各种挑战，很少有研究来探索探险家所经历的身体需求。

 目的

总结在南极洲大陆部分的徒步旅行探险中面临的生理、心理、身体成分和营养变化。

 设计

 系统评价。

 信息来源

我们使用PubMed、SPORTDiscus、PsycINFO、Scopus、Cochrane数据库、CINAHL和Medline Ovid检索了截至2023年1月发表的研究。

 资格

我们纳入了以英文和同行评审期刊发表的原始文章或案例报告，涉及男女，使用定量和定性方法，考虑了南极大陆探险以及单独勘探/团体探索。动物研究、体外研究、探险家 < 18 岁、在研究站越冬、旅游/有组织的南极洲或南极访问、不在冰上睡觉以及超耐力事件被排除在外。案例研究的 JBI 批判性评估清单用于质量评估。

 结果

共有 12 项研究符合纳入标准。主要发现是骨密度和矿物质含量的可逆变化。尽管摄入了高热量（5000 大卡/天或更多），但参与者的体重减轻和食欲调节激素减少。激励和目标导向、积极的人际沟通和支持是极地探险期间的重要技能。多学科研究揭示了各种生理和认知反应、睡眠模式紊乱和情绪变化。

 结论

长时间的低压缺氧会降低有氧能力并增加无氧代谢，而骨密度变化是可逆的，尽管摄入了高热量，但仍会发生体重减轻。有效的决策、团队合作和个人成长对于南极探险家来说至关重要。未来的研究需要探讨如何在保持体内平衡的同时改善生理功能的策略。

 注册

 普洛斯佩罗—CRD42022382609。