The Physiology of Endurance Exercise Research on the Last Frontier

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The Physiology of Endurance Exercise - Research
on the Last Frontier
Michael S. Davis, DVM PhD Oklahoma State
University
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Why Sled Dogs?

• Massive aerobic capacity
• Fatigue resistant at 4X the maximum sustainable
  output of humans
• Capable of running 100 miles/day for over a week

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The Dogs

• Selectively-bred mongrels
• 5050 male female
• 45 lb
• Excellent temperament
• Tough as nails

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Comparative Aerobic Capacity
???
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In simpler units
One Big Mac 560 calories
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A 25 kg Sled Dog consumes..

• The equivalent of 24 Big Macs per day while
  running

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A human would need.
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Typical Response to Endurance Exercise

• Intramuscular substrate depletion
• Mobilization of reserves
• Markers of cellular damage
• Oxidative Stress

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And then comes Day 2
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• Clamped at 65 mg/dl

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Sled Dog Research - Pros

• 70-80 Mushers
• 1200-1400 Dogs
• 1100 miles covered in 9-14 days

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Sled Dog Research - Cons

• Temps from 35 to 40oF
• 2-3 ft of snow can fall while running
• Winds on the coast up to 60 mph

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Logistical Support
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Thanks to the Crew