A comparison of the metabolic effects of sustained strenuous activity in polar environments on men and women.

This study investigates differences in pre- to post-expedition energy expenditure, substrate utilisation and body composition, between the all-male Spear17 (SP-17) and all-female Ice Maiden (IM) transantarctic expeditions (IM: N = 6, 61 days, 1700 km; SP-17: N = 5, 67 days, 1750 km). Energy expenditure and substrate utilisation were measured by a standardised 36 h calorimetry protocol; body composition was determined using air displacement plethysmography. Energy balance calculation were used to assess the physical challenge.

Female Reproductive, Adrenal, and Metabolic Changes during an Antarctic Traverse.

Purpose: To explore the effects of the first all-female transantarctic expedition on hormonal axes pertinent to reproductive and metabolic function.

Methods: Six females (age, 28-36 yr; body mass index, 24.2 ± 0.