Andrée-Anne Parent

XP-Antarctik Expedition: The Effect of a Month-Long Expedition in Antarctica on Physiological Performance

Antarctica is a challenging habitat for humans. A group of 6 explorers (3 women and 3 men) participated in an expedition in Antarctica. The objective was to observe the physiological acclimatization of the explorers using the following strategies: physical preparation, highcaloric nutritional intake, and the latest physiological monitoring and outdoor equipment. Anthropometric measures (dual x-ray absorptiometry), specific maximal aerobic test, maximal aerobic running speed test, submaximal aerobic cold testing, strength tests (grip strength, leg press and chin up), and endurance tests (bar suspension and chair position) were conducted preand post-expedition. Due to the sample size, a paired t-test was used for normally distributed data and non-parametric (Wilcoxon) to compare values preand post-expedition. Effect sizes are presented as Cohen’s d. The lean mass for the women was significantly higher after the expedition (45.4 ¡ 4.4 vs. 47.1 ¡ 4.1 kg; p 5 0.040, d 5 1.86); however, no significant difference was observed for the men (66.7 ¡ 7.3 vs. 66.0 ¡ 5.7 kg; p 5 0.581, d 5 0.11). Preand post-expedition values were significantly different for the specific maximal aerobic test, where the VO2peak was 40.8 ¡ 4.2 vs. 46.9 ¡ 7.4 ml/kg/min, respectively (p 5 0.027, d 5 1.01), but no significant difference was observed for the other aerobic tests. The muscular testing did not change significantly, except for the left leg one maximal repetition (295 ¡ 110 vs. 364 ¡ 135 lb, preand post-expedition respectively, p 5 0.031, d 5 20.56). The overall preparation for the expedition appears to be a key aspect in order to countermeasure the physical ability decay during an Antarctica expedition. However, further studies will need to be developed to discern the importance of the preparation components.

Pilot project: Feasibility of high-intensity active video game with COPD patients. Tools for home rehabilitation

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent condition with a deterioration of the quality of life, physical function, and important morbidity. Exercise has been shown that it can improve physical capacity and a better quality of life. The objective was to observe the feasibility of using a new gameplay exergame approach safely and easily with this population. Furthermore, quadricep saturation was used to observe if this measurement can become a useful marker for the medical team during home rehabilitation. A total of 14 patients (8 men 69 ± 6 years, 6 women, 74 ± 6 years), with a moderate to severe COPD diagnostic performed 4 mini-games (Shape-Up, Ubisoft) adapted for their condition. Gaming sessions of 10 to 15 min duration were composed of 4 games of about 1.5 min each separated by rest. The average and peak minute ventilation, and peak METs were respectively: stationary knee lifting: 25.3±6.8, 33.5±8.2 L/min, and 4.2±1.5 METs; Target punching: 23.1±5.6, 31.8±9.8 L/min, and 3.7±1.2 METs; Core twisting: 22.2±7.3, 29.2±9.9 L/min, and 3.3±1.1 METs, and chair sit to stand from a: 27.8±6.7, 36.8±11.1 L/min, and 4.4±1.1 METs. These results were compared to the %quadricep saturation (Moxy) as a possible marker during home training. The current pilot-project suggests that a gaming-based exercise program was enjoyable and provided feasible high intensity exercise as a useful possibility after pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance at home. However, the %quadricep saturation measurement was insufficient to conclude if it can be useful marker for monitoring the training intensity at home. Further investigation needs to be completed in order to observe the benefits in comparison to a traditional training program.