摘要：DeVoe D, Lipsey T, Womack C. Backpacking Normalizes Lipids without Medication: A Case Study on the Appalachian Trail. JEPonline 2014;17(4):10-14. The purpose of this case study was to determine if the physical activity associated with a long distance backpacking trip has a favorable influence on the blood lipid profile relative to future risk of coronary heart disease. The subject was a 56- yr-old male who backpacked 112 days on the Appalachian Trail. Assessment of body fat (%) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and blood work after a standard 12-hr fast were determined pre-hike, during the hike, and post-hike. Pre-hike to day 60 differences showed decreases in body weight from 89.4 kg to 75.1 kg and percent body fat from 32% to 18%. The post-hike body weight of 71.2 kg demonstrated a continuing but slower reduction than pre-hike to day 60 and a body fat (18%) that stabilizes during the 112-day hike. Prehike to day 60 differences showed a decrease in fat mass (-54%) and a slight increase in lean muscle mass of +1.5%. Fat mass stabilized during the expedition while lean mass decreased -6.5% from day 60 to post-hike. Pre-hike to day 60 resulted in an 85% decrease in triglycerides, a 38% decrease in total cholesterol, a 54% increase in high density lipoprotein, a 49% decrease in low density lipoprotein, a 67% decrease in the LDL/HDL ratio, and a 60% decrease in the cholesterol/HDL ratio. Between Day 60 and post-hike, there were no further decreases in blood lipids and lipoproteins. These findings indicate that backpacking has a positive impact on body composition and weight, which in turn clinically normalized the subject’s blood lipids and lipoproteins without medication.
