BASAL METABOLISM AND OTHER PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN WINTERING MEMBERS OF JAPANESE ANTARCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION 1968-1969

抄録

Physiological reactions of 29 wintering members in the frigid climate were observed at the Syowa Station and during the South Pole Traverse. Mean atmospheric temperature at the station was -10°C (+9.5℃ to -32.4℃), mean wind velocity was 6.4 m/s and mean relative humidity was 62%. About 30% and 13% of the day were spent in various outdoor activities by the traverse members and the base members, respectively. Energy balance was positive at the station but negative during the traverse. Therefore, the body weight tended to increase at the station. A significant positive correlation was found in both groups between the changes of the skinfold thickness of the abdominal wall and the body weight. Basal metabolism of the base members showed a seasonal variation. The value increased when the outside temperature lowered and decreased as the outside temperature rose. This is considered to be the result of acclimatization to the cold. Blood pressure tended to fall in the winter. Vital capacity showed a decrease due to physical fatigue. Hemoconcentration was observed after the Autumn Traverse. During the South Pole Traverse, erythrocytosis caused by high altitude, unexplained leukopenia and relative lymphocytosis were recognized.