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Medicine and Health Sciences Commons

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Health

Western Kentucky University

2023

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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

A Case Study Examining Health And Fitness Effects Of Thru Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail, Holland Gaston, Dante Argento, Anna Grexton, Cory Greever Nov 2023

A Case Study Examining Health And Fitness Effects Of Thru Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail, Holland Gaston, Dante Argento, Anna Grexton, Cory Greever

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a long-distance hiking route spanning from the U.S.-Mexico Border to the U.S.-Canada border, is a compelling research topic for studying human performance. Thru hiking involves enduring high volumes of moderate-vigorous exercise, load carriage of survival gear, environmental conditions, hydration, nutrition, sleep, and psychological well-being, alongside addressing challenges like navigation, limited resupply, encounters with wild animals and injury/illness. PURPOSE: This case study investigated the impact of thru hiking the PCT on physical fitness and health in a cohort of three non-elite male hikers. METHODS: The participants had two visits to the lab, following an 8-12 hour …