Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, Volume 51, Issue , Page 1-14, January 2026.
This study investigated the performance, physiological, and anthropometric changes in a 28-year-old female following an 1130 km Antarctic ski expedition. Data showed that the participant performed low-intensity ski trekking (LIST, ∼62% maximal heart rate) ∼9 h·day−1 for 46 days of the total of 49 expedition days. Estimations indicated that the mean energy intake during the trek (∼15 MJ·day−1/∼3589 kcal·day−1) was ∼75% greater than that prior to the event (∼8.6 MJ·day−1/∼2048 kcal·day−1), and dietary energy distribution of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins changed from a ∼53/30/17 ratio pre-expedition to a ∼43/48/9 ratio during it. Body mass decreased by 11%, while lean mass was maintained. Time to exhaustion during a short (∼5 min) and long (>40 min) incremental ski trek simulation on a treadmill increased by 29% and 3.6%, respectively. Absolute V̇O2max (L·min−1) was unchanged, but relative V̇O2max (mL·kg−1·min−1) increased by 17%. Blood glucose concentration decreased by 8.5%, while lipid levels increased by 11%–35%. Creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase decreased by 21%, 18%, and 13%, respectively. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) increased by 59%. In conclusion, medium-term prolonged LIST can lead to weight-induced endurance performance enhancement and may improve muscle cell resiliency. A low protein intake during such an event does not appear to affect lean mass negatively, despite a substantial weight loss. Reduced carbohydrate consumption and increased fat intake in relative (%) terms during a medium-duration ski trek can decrease blood glucose concentration and raise lipid levels, respectively. TSH may remain elevated several days after such an expedition, reflecting raised metabolism.Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, Volume 51, Issue , Page 1-14, January 2026. <br/> This study investigated the performance, physiological, and anthropometric changes in a 28-year-old female following an 1130 km Antarctic ski expedition. Data showed that the participant performed low-intensity ski trekking (LIST, ∼62% maximal heart rate) ∼9 h·day−1 for 46 days of the total of 49 expedition days. Estimations indicated that the mean energy intake during the trek (∼15 MJ·day−1/∼3589 kcal·day−1) was ∼75% greater than that prior to the event (∼8.6 MJ·day−1/∼2048 kcal·day−1), and dietary energy distribution of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins changed from a ∼53/30/17 ratio pre-expedition to a ∼43/48/9 ratio during it. Body mass decreased by 11%, while lean mass was maintained. Time to exhaustion during a short (∼5 min) and long (>40 min) incremental ski trek simulation on a treadmill increased by 29% and 3.6%, respectively. Absolute V̇O2max (L·min−1) was unchanged, but relative V̇O2max (mL·kg−1·min−1) increased by 17%. Blood glucose concentration decreased by 8.5%, while lipid levels increased by 11%–35%. Creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase decreased by 21%, 18%, and 13%, respectively. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) increased by 59%. In conclusion, medium-term prolonged LIST can lead to weight-induced endurance performance enhancement and may improve muscle cell resiliency. A low protein intake during such an event does not appear to affect lean mass negatively, despite a substantial weight loss. Reduced carbohydrate consumption and increased fat intake in relative (%) terms during a medium-duration ski trek can decrease blood glucose concentration and raise lipid levels, respectively. TSH may remain elevated several days after such an expedition, reflecting raised metabolism. Read More