Impact of Antarctica winters on vital parameters and anthropometric variables

SummaryIntroductionWe studied the variations in vital parameters and anthropometric variables in Antarctica to identify the effect of extreme weather and isolation on the vital parameters and adipose tissue distribution in humans.MethodsA descriptive observational cohort study on three vital parameters and nine anthropometric measurements was conducted among the 26 winter team members of the 27th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. The parameters were evaluated in March, May and July 2008. The data was analyzed for: (1) undivided team, (2) groups based on physical activity levels, and (3) groups based on age. Intergroup variations were analyzed.ResultsThe diastolic blood pressure of the undivided team fell significantly during the study. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure of non-convoy team decreased but the systolic blood pressure of the convoy team increased. The pulse rate of the two physical activity groups increased. No significant changes were observed in rest of the vital parameters and any of the anthropometric variables.ConclusionThe blood pressure of the expedition members may show unpredictable changes. But in a modern day Antarctic station, no significant variations in body fat are observed. Though the stress factors have been mitigated in Antarctica to a large extent, they might still be substantial. Quantification of the impact of such factors is difficult.