The data produced by the Equivital System is provided for general information only
and is not intended for medical analysis within the scope of the Catlin Arctic Survey.
As such, it will be analysed for general research purposes only and will not be
viewed or utilised as a tool for the diagnosis or identification of the medical
condition of the expedition team. This has been agreed by all members of the expedition
team.

Sea Level Rise gallery, photos of team and expedition.

Sea Level Rise gallery, photos of team and expedition.

Sea Level Rise gallery, photos of team and expedition.
Biometrics – Data for April 21st 2009
Please note that the above data was collected during a 24 hour period on April
21st 2009. This gives us a fair representation of how the ice team members' physiology
is responding to the incessant cold.
The biometrics data is captured using Equivital monitoring units, also used by the
military, first responders, emergency services and those operating in high risk
and remote locations. They have been specifically designed to operate in extreme
environments. The units have stood up extremely well so far to the rigours of extended
polar travel, but some of the methods for capturing data do require explanation.
The first thing to note is that the data above represents three data sets taken
during a 24 hour period, which give an idea of how the team’s physiology is adapting
on a particular day in this environment; it is not a live feed.
As a project team, we explored the option of live transmissions, and this is certainly
possible, using a combination of Bluetooth and Iridium technology. However, such
a set-up is particularly power hungry, and given the power limitations imposed on
the team (they have to carry all power supplies with them in their sledges), we
opted instead to prioritise our power supply elsewhere. Biometric data is still
captured into the device’s integral memory every five seconds, but it is not transmitted
back to the UK in real time.
Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate
This is recorded on the chest and obviously varies according to the activity conducted
by each team member at certain times of the day. The team typically drag their sledges
for 75 minutes and then take a 15 minute break, and as a trio they will usually
complete six or seven such sessions each day. As such, their breathing rates and
heart rates will obviously be higher during skiing sessions than when they sleep.
Occasionally, however, we may see data that does not seem to fit this pattern perfectly.
As an example, Pen has a naturally low heart rate when compared to many individuals,
which incidentally makes him well suited to long distance polar travel.
Core Temperature and Skin Temperature
There are two methods used for collecting temperature. The first is skin temperature
measurement, which is recorded on the chest and varies widely, depending on clothing,
activity and environment. The second is core temperature, which is measured using
an ingested core temperature pill with an internal radio, which transmits the reading
to the Equivital unit. The pill transmits a temperature reading at a set interval.
The temperature will be lower when the pill is initially taken and rises during
the initial transit of the pill, at which point readings indicative of core are
seen.
Readings may also occasionally drop to zero. This can happen if a unit is removed,
so that its battery can be replaced, or, in the case of core temperature, if one
transmitter pill works its way out of the body’s digestive system and another pill
is not immediately swallowed.
An apology
We'd like to apologise to anybody who felt misled by our recent biometric data.
The data was initially displayed in error in a way that gave the impression that
it was live. The intended qualification and explanation that it was, in fact, delayed
information, was at first missing. We have subsequently corrected this with specific
information concerning the above data. We apologise for the errors and to anyone
who may have found the data misleading.
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Medical Update
Posted by
Martin Rhodes
Whilst Pen, Ann and Martin enjoy the luxuries of today’s resupply, let’s not forget that this is their 65th day of their expedition....more
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Friday, 01st May 2009
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Thursday, 09th April 2009
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Pain management
Posted by
Dr Craig McLean
Over the years the human body has been studied at length to explore our ability to deal with pain and how chemically we have defenses to enable us to tolerate high levels of pain....more
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Monday, 06th April 2009
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