Nutritional and Metabolic Dynamics of Thru-Hiking: A Longitudinal Study on the Colorado Trail

Thru-hiking the Colorado Trail presents distinct challenges owing to its diverse landscapes and high altitudes. The study aims to delve into the physiological and nutritional facets of extended wilderness trekking among thru-hikers. Activities encompass participant recruitment from the Colorado Trail Foundation community, baseline and post-trail assessments including blood lipid panel analysis and anthropometric measurements, data collection during the trail period involving recording daily mileage, exertion levels, and dietary intake, rigorous statistical analysis to explore correlations among various parameters, and adherence to ethical considerations including obtaining formal approval and ensuring informed consent procedures are followed to safeguard participants' rights and privacy. Through this endeavor, the study seeks to offer insights into the metabolic responses and cardiovascular implications associated with thru-hiking, shedding light on the interplay between diet, lifestyle factors, and metabolic health in challenging environments.

The specific aims include examining the metabolic responses and cardiovascular implications associated with thru-hiking, exploring correlations between dietary intake and blood lipid profiles, and elucidating the interplay between lifestyle factors and metabolic health in demanding environments. This study is not limited to program evaluation, quality assurance, or improvement activities within a specific department or setting but rather seeks to contribute to scientific knowledge and inform evidence-based recommendations for individuals engaging in thru-hiking or similar high-intensity activities.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Thru-hiking
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Thru-hiking

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 15

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Minnesota
    • Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55455
      • University of Minnesota

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

individuals hiking The Colorado Trail in its entirety in summer 2024. Excluded are those having hiked another thru-hike 6 months prior.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Thru-Hikers on the Colorado Trail:
• Individuals planning to commence their thru-hiking journey on the Colorado Trail in early July.

Residence:

• Participants must reside in northern Colorado.
• Thru-Hiking History
• Participants must not have completed another thru-hike in the past 6 months.
• Informed Consent
• Individuals interested in participating in the study must provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who have completed another thru-hike in the past 6 months
• children below the age of majority, pregnant women, fetuses, and neonates
• prisoners, adults lacking the capacity to consent or with fluctuating capacity, non-English speakers, and illiterate individuals
• employees or students of the researcher
• individuals from undervalued or disenfranchised social groups
• Active members of the military, including Department of Defense (DoD) personnel
• individuals in stressful situations, those disadvantaged in social goods and services and individuals with serious health conditions lacking standard treatments
• those with a fear of negative consequences for not participating and individuals facing circumstances increasing vulnerability to coercion or exploitation

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
thru-hiking on the Colorado Trail; Thru-hikers planning to embark on the Colorado Trail are recruited through the Colorado Trail Foundation community page and email newsletter, ensuring a sample population representative of those undertaking this challenging endeavor. Participants will be tracked over time to assess changes in their metabolic health and dietary habits.	Other: Thru-hiking; planning to embark on the Colorado Trail

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
blood lipid panel: total cholesterol	changes in total cholesterol levels from baseline to within 2 days of completing the Colorado Trail.	baseline and 2 days post-hike
blood lipid panel: high-density lipoprotein (HDL)	changes in HDL levels from baseline to within 2 days of completing the Colorado Trail.	baseline and 2 days post-hike
blood lipid panel: low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	changes in LDL levels from baseline to within 2 days of completing the Colorado Trail.	baseline and 2 days post-hike
blood lipid panel: triglycerides	changes in triglycerides levels from baseline to within 2 days of completing the Colorado Trail.	baseline and 2 days post-hike

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Minnesota
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Stephen Selinsky, MD, University of Minnesota

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): May 1, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): September 1, 2024
• Study Completion (Actual): December 1, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 4, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 4, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): April 10, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 9, 2025
• Last Verified: January 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: MED-2024-32848

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No