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Biomedical subjects

K B Pandolf

Publications and source records attributed to K B Pandolf.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Heat strain models applicable for protective clothing systems: comparison of core temperature response.

Core temperature (Tc) output comparisons were analyzed from thermal models applicable to persons wearing protective clothing. The two models evaluated were the United States (US) Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) heat strain experimental model and the United Kingdom (UK) Loughborough (LUT25) model. Data were derived from collaborative heat-acclimation studies conducted by three organizations and included an intermittent-work protocol (Canada) and a continuous-exercise/heat stress protocol (UK and US). Volunteers from the US and the UK were exposed to a standard exercise/heat stress protocol (ambient temperature 35 degrees C/50% relative humidity, wind speed 1 m/s, level treadmill speed 1.34 m/s). Canadian Forces volunteers did an intermittent-work protocol (15 min moderate work/15 min rest at ambient temperature of 40 degrees C/30% relative humidity, wind speed approximately 0.4 m/s). Each model reliably predicted Tc responses (within the margin of error determined by 1 root mean square deviation) during work in the heat with protective clothing. Models that are analytically similar to the classic Stolwijk-Hardy model serve as robust operational tools for prediction of physiological heat strain when modified to incorporate clothing heat-exchange factors.

Acclimatization↗

Hyperhydration: thermoregulatory effects during compensable exercise-heat stress.

This study examined the effects of hyperhydration on thermoregulatory responses during compensable exercise-heat stress. The general approach was to determine whether 1-h preexercise hyperhydration [29. 1 ml/kg lean body mass; with or without glycerol (1.2 g/kg lean body mass)] would improve sweating responses and reduce core temperature during exercise. During these experiments, the evaporative heat loss required (Ereq = 293 W/m2) to maintain steady-state core temperature was less than the maximal capacity (Emax = 462 W/m2) of the climate for evaporative heat loss (Ereq/Emax = 63%). Eight heat-acclimated men completed five trials: euhydration, glycerol hyperhydration, and water hyperhydration both with and without rehydration (replace sweat loss during exercise). During exercise in the heat (35 degrees C, 45% relative humidity), there was no difference between hyperhydration methods for increasing total body water (approximately 1.5 liters). Compared with euhydration, hyperhydration did not alter core temperature, skin temperature, whole body sweating rate, local sweating rate, sweating threshold temperature, sweating sensitivity, or heart rate responses. Similarly, no difference was found between water and glycerol hyperhydration for these physiological responses. These data demonstrate that hyperhydration provides no thermoregulatory advantage over the maintenance of euhydration during compensable exercise-heat stress.

Adult↗

Applications of predictive environmental strain models.

Researchers at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine have developed and validated numerical models capable of predicting the extent of physiologic strain and adverse terrain and weather-related medical consequences of military operations in harsh environments. A descriptive historical account is provided that details how physiologic models for hot and cold weather exposure have been integrated into portable field advisory devices, computer-based meteorologic planning software, and combat-oriented simulation systems. It is important that medical officers be aware of the existence of these types of decision support tools so that they can assure that outputs are interpreted in a balanced and medically realistic manner. Additionally, these modeling applications may facilitate timely preventive medicine planning and efficient dissemination of appropriate measures to prevent weather- and altitude-related illnesses and performance decrements. Such environmental response modeling applications may therefore be utilized to support deployment preventive medicine planning by field medical officers.

Algorithms↗

Lumped-parameter tissue temperature-blood perfusion model of a cold-stressed fingertip.

A lumped-parameter model of a fingertip is presented. The semispherical model includes the effects of heat storage, heat exchange with the environment, and heat transport by blood perfusion. The thermal insulation on the surface of the fingertip is represented by the overall heat transfer coefficient that is calculated by common engineering formulas. The model is solved analytically for the simple case of constant blood perfusion rate. The general case of variable blood perfusion rates is solved by an Euler finite difference technique. At this stage, the model does not include active control mechanisms of blood perfusion. Thus the effects of cold-induced vasodilatation have to be superimposed and are modeled by symmetrical triangular waveforms because these were found to best depict the behavior of fingers exposed to cold environments. Results of this model were compared with experimental data obtained in two separate studies. One included 60-min infrared thermograms of the dorsal surface of bare hands of sedentary subjects horizontally suspended on a fish net in a 0 degree C environment. Another study, on gloved finger temperatures, involved 0 and -6.7 degrees C environments. Fingertip (nail bed) temperatures of both these studies were compared with model predictions. Blood perfusion rates were assumed and adjusted within physiologically reasonable limits. Comparison of measured and computed temperature records showed very good conformity in both cases studied.

Body Temperature Regulation↗

Effects of erythrocyte infusion on VO2max at high altitude.

This study investigated whether autologous erythrocyte infusion would ameliorate the decrement in maximal O2 uptake (VO2max) experienced by lowlanders when they ascend to high altitude. VO2max was measured in 16 men (treadmill running) at sea level (SL) and on the 1st (HA1) and 9th (HA9) days of high-altitude (4,300 m) residence. After VO2max was measured at SL, subjects were divided into two matched groups (n = 8). Twenty-four hours before ascent to high altitude, the experimental group received a 700-ml infusion of autologous erythrocytes and saline (42% hematocrit), whereas the control group received only saline. The VO2max of erythrocyte-infused [54 +/- 1 (SE) ml.kg-1.min-1] and control subjects (52 +/- 2 ml.kg-1.min-1) did not differ at SL before infusion. The decrement in VO2max on HA1 did not differ between groups, averaging 26% overall, despite higher (P < 0.01) arterial hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and arterial O2 content in the erythrocyte-infused subjects. By HA9, there were no longer any differences in hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, or arterial O2 content between groups. No change in VO2max occurred between HA1 and HA9 for either group. Thus, despite increasing arterial O2-carrying capacity, autologous erythrocyte infusion did not ameliorate the decrement in VO2max at 4,300-m altitude.

Acclimatization↗

Altitude acclimatization and blood volume: effects of exogenous erythrocyte volume expansion.

We studied sea-level residents during 13 days of altitude acclimatization to determine 1) altitude acclimatization effects on erythrocyte volume and plasma volume, 2) if exogenous erythrocyte volume expansion alters subsequent erythrocyte volume and plasma volume adaptations, 3) if an increased blood oxygen content alters erythropoietin responses during altitude acclimatization, and 4) mechanisms responsible for plasma loss at altitude. Sixteen healthy men had a series of hematologic measurements made at sea level, on the first and ninth days of altitude (4,300 m) residence, and after returning to sea level. Twenty-four hours before the ascent to altitude, one group received a 700-ml infusion of autologous erythrocytes (42% hematocrit), whereas the other group received only a saline infusion. Erythrocyte infusion increased erythrocyte volume by approximately 10%, whereas saline infusion had no effect; in addition, initially at altitude, blood oxygen content was 8% higher in erythrocyte-infused than in saline-infused subjects. The new findings regarding altitude acclimatization are summarized as follows: 1) erythrocyte volume does not change during the first 13 days and is not affected by prior exogenous expansion, 2) a modest increase in blood oxygen content does not modify erythropoietin responses, 3) plasma losses are related to vascular protein losses, and 4) exogenous erythrocyte volume expansion coincides with transient increases in plasma loss, vascular protein loss, and mean arterial pressure elevation. These findings better define human blood volume responses during altitude acclimatization.

Acclimatization↗

Muscle fatigue and exhaustion during dynamic leg exercise in normoxia and hypobaric hypoxia.

Using an exercise device that integrates maximal voluntary static contraction (MVC) of knee extensor muscles with dynamic knee extension, we compared progressive muscle fatigue, i.e., rate of decline in force-generating capacity, in normoxia (758 Torr) and hypobaric hypoxia (464 Torr). Eight healthy men performed exhaustive constant work rate knee extension (21 +/- 3 W, 79 +/- 2 and 87 +/- 2% of 1-leg knee extension O2 peak uptake for normoxia and hypobaria, respectively) from knee angles of 90-150 degrees at a rate of 1 Hz. MVC (90 degrees knee angle) was performed before dynamic exercise and during < or = 5-s pauses every 2 min of dynamic exercise. MVC force was 578 +/- 29 N in normoxia and 569 +/- 29 N in hypobaria before exercise and fell, at exhaustion, to similar levels (265 +/- 10 and 284 +/- 20 N for normoxia and hypobaria, respectively; P > 0.05) that were higher (P < 0.01) than peak force of constant work rate knee extension (98 +/- 10 N, 18 +/- 3% of MVC). Time to exhaustion was 56% shorter for hypobaria than for normoxia (19 +/- 5 vs. 43 +/- 7 min, respectively; P < 0.01), and rate of right leg MVC fall was nearly twofold greater for hypobaria than for normoxia (mean slope = -22.3 vs. -11.9 N/min, respectively; P < 0.05). With increasing duration of dynamic exercise for normoxia and hypobaria, integrated electromyographic activity during MVC fell progressively with MVC force, implying attenuated maximal muscle excitation. Exhaustion, per se, was postulated to related more closely to impaired shortening velocity than to failure of force-generating capacity.

Adult↗

Validation and adjustment of the mathematical prediction model for human sweat rate responses to outdoor environmental conditions.

Under outdoor conditions this model was over estimating sweat loss response in shaded (low solar radiation) environments, and underestimating the response when solar radiation was high (open field areas). The present study was conducted in order to adjust the model to be applicable under outdoor environmental conditions. Four groups of fit acclimated subjects participated in the study. They were exposed to three climatic conditions (30 degrees, 65% rh; 31 degrees C, 40% rh; and 40 degrees C, 20% rh) and three levels of metabolic rate (100, 300 and 450 W) in shaded and sunny areas while wearing shorts, cotton fatigues (BDUs) or protective garments. The original predictive equation for sweat loss was adjusted for the outdoor conditions by evaluating separately the radiative heat exchange, short-wave absorption in the body and long-wave emission from the body to the atmosphere and integrating them in the required evaporation component (Ereq) of the model, as follows: Hr = 1.5SL0.6/I(T) (watt) H1 = 0.047Me.th/I(T) (watt), where SL is solar radiation (W.m-2), Me.th is the Stephan Boltzman constant, and I(T) is the effective clothing insulation coefficient. This adjustment revealed a high correlation between the measured and expected values of sweat loss (r = 0.99, p < 0.0001).

Adolescent↗

Validation and adjustment of the mathematical prediction model for human rectal temperature responses to outdoor environmental conditions.

Models to predict rectal temperature (Tre) have been based on indoor laboratory studies. The present study was conducted to validate and adjust a previously suggested model for outdoor environmental conditions. Four groups of young male volunteers were exposed to three different climatic conditions (30 degrees C, 65% rh; 31 degrees C, 41% rh; 40 degrees C, 20% rh). They were tested both in shaded and open field areas (radiation: 80 and 900 W.m-2, respectively) at different work loads (100, 300 and 450 watt). Exercise consisted of two bouts of 10 minutes rest and 50 minutes walking on a treadmill, at a constant speed (1.4 m.s-1) and different grades. The subjects were tested wearing cotton fatigues and protective garments. Their Tre and heart rate were monitored every 5 min and skin temperature every 15 min, oxygen uptake was measured towards the end of each bout of exercise; concomitantly, ambient temperature, relative humidity and solar load were monitored. We concluded that: (a) the corrected model to predict rectal temperature overestimates the actual measurements when applied outdoors; (b) radiative and convective heat exchanges should be considered separately when using the model outdoors; (c) radiative heat exchange should also be considered separately for short-wave radiation (solar radiation) and long-wave emission from the body to the atmosphere. Finally, an adjusted model to be used outdoors was suggested.

Adolescent↗

Metabolic and thermal adaptations from endurance training in hot or cold water.

Metabolic and thermal adaptations resulting from endurance training in hot vs. cold water were compared. It was hypothesized that training in hot water would have greater effects on muscle glycogen use and blood lactate accumulation during exercise than training in cold water. Eighteen men exercised at 60% of maximal oxygen uptake while immersed in hot (n = 9) or cold water (n = 9) for 1 h, 5 days/wk, for 8 wk. Training in hot water (35 degrees C) potentiated body temperature increases during exercise, and training in cold water (20 degrees C) blunted body temperature increases during exercise. Before and after training, cardiorespiratory and thermoregulatory responses and muscle glycogen and blood lactate changes were assessed during a 1-h exercise trial in hot water and, on a separate day using the same intensity, in cold water. Oxygen uptake was similar for all trials, averaging 2.0 +/- 0.1 l/min. It was observed that 1) training reduced glycogen use and lactate accumulation during exercise, with no difference between cold and hot water training groups in the magnitude of this effect; 2) lactate accumulation during exercise was the same in hot water as in cold water; and 3) skin temperature decreased more rapidly during cold-water exercise after than before training, with no difference between cold and hot water training groups in the magnitude of this effect. Thus, exercise-induced body temperature increases are not an important stimulus for glycogen-sparing effects and blunted lactate accumulation associated with endurance training.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Glycerol hyperhydration: hormonal, renal, and vascular fluid responses.

Glycerol ingestion has been shown to mediate hyperhydration; however, the mechanism(s) responsible for this improved fluid retention is not well understood. This study examined the hormonal, renal, and vascular fluid responses to glycerol hyperhydration in 11 resting male volunteers who ingested one of two experimental solutions and then a water bolus. The volume of fluid ingested was determined from the subjects' measured total body water (TBW; total volume = 37 ml/l TBW, 1,765 +/- 162 ml). Experimental solutions (5.0 ml/l TBW) were matched for color and taste and differed only in that one contained 1.5 g glycerol/l TBW (total osmolar load = 777 +/- 24 mosmol). Nine of the 11 subjects also completed a control trial during which no fluid was ingested. Glycerol ingestion (GI) resulted in greater fluid retention than the ingestion of water alone (WI; 60 vs. 32% 3-h posthyperhydration, P < 0.01). This improved fluid retention with GI resulted from lower urine flow rates (peak 6.2 vs. 10.5 ml/min, P < 0.01) associated with lower free water clearance rates (peak = 1.2 vs. 8.2 ml/min, P < 0.01). Hyperhydration had no effect on plasma atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations. Changes in plasma aldosterone were unrelated to differences in fluid retention. Antidiuretic hormone concentrations (ADH) were significantly reduced from prehyperhydration levels during both hyperhydration trials but tended (P = 0.07) to rise during GI compared with WI at the very time urine flow and free water clearance differences were also evident. This suggests that ADH may, in part, be responsible for glycerol's effectiveness, although differences in ADH concentrations were small and near the assay's sensitivity limits. Alternatively, glycerol's effectiveness may result from its directly increasing the kidneys' medullary concentration gradient and, hence, water reabsorption.

Adult↗

Quantitation of progressive muscle fatigue during dynamic leg exercise in humans.

There is virtually no published information on muscle fatigue, defined as a gradual decline in force-generating capacity, during conventional dynamic (D) leg exercise. To quantitate progression of fatigue, we developed 1) a model featuring integration of maximal voluntary static contraction (MVC) of knee extension (KE) muscles with ongoing DKE and 2) a device that allows frequent rapid transfer between DKE isolated to the quadriceps femoris muscles and measurement of KE MVC. Eight healthy men performed graded and submaximal constant work rate one-leg DKE to exhaustion while seated. Work rate, a product of a contraction rate (1 Hz), force measured at the ankle, and distance of ankle movement from 90 degrees to 150 degrees of KE, was precisely controlled. Lack of rise in myoelectric activity in biceps femoris of the active leg during DKE and MVC was consistent with restriction of muscle action to quadriceps femoris. The slope of the linear relationship between O2 uptake and work rate was 13.7 ml O2/W (r = 0.93). This slope and the increase of heart rate relative to increasing work intensity agreed with published values for D leg exercise. Test-retest values for O2 uptake were similar (P > 0.05) for matched DKE work rates. To track fatigue, MVC (90 degrees knee angle) was performed every 2 min of DKE. After 4 min of DKE at work rates corresponding to (mean +/- SE) 66 +/- 2, 78 +/- 2, and 100% of peak DKE O2 uptake, MVC fell to 95 +/- 3, 90 +/- 5, and 65 +/- 7%* of MVC of rested muscle, respectively (*P < 0.01 from previous work rates). Virtually identical declines in MVC were observed by the end of graded work rate DKE and submaximal constant work rate DKE tests. Quantitation of progressive muscle fatigue during D leg exercise provides a framework to study the effects of a variety of interventions on the fatigue process and may permit unique insights into the involved mechanisms.

Adolescent↗

Predicting human heat strain and performance with application to space operations.

This Institute has developed a USARIEM Heat Strain Prediction Model for predicting physiological responses and soldier performance in the heat, which has been programmed for use by hand-held calculators and personal computers, and incorporated into the development of a heat strain decision aid. This model is demonstrated to predict accurately (generally within +/- 1 SD/SEM) rectal temperature (Tre) responses for soldiers wearing various military clothing ensembles during U.S. or non-U.S. military scenarios in the heat at home or abroad. The value of this model is shown presently for three NASA scenarios involving the Launch and Entry Suit (LES). The LES (ventilated or unventilated) is modeled during pre-launch/launch, re-entry/landing, and emergency egress after re-entry/landing scenarios, predominately to evaluate heat acclimation and hydration state effects. During the pre-launch/launch scenario, predicted final Tre closely agrees with observed values suggesting minimal heat strain (Tre approximately 38.0 degrees C). In contrast, dehydrated (3%) unacclimated individuals show moderate levels of heat strain (Tre approximately 38.5 degrees C) for this same scenario. During the re-entry/landing and emergency egress scenarios, dehydrated unacclimated individuals are predicted to exhibit excessive heat strain (Tre > 39.0 degrees C). Thermal tolerance time is predicted to be only 6 min during emergency egress if individuals are dehydrated and unacclimated to heat while wearing the LES. If heat transfer values for space operations clothing are known, NASA can use this prediction model to help avoid undue heat strain involving astronauts for most scenarios during spaceflight.

Acclimatization↗

Adductor pollicis muscle fatigue during acute and chronic altitude exposure and return to sea level.

Large muscle exercise performance is impaired during acute exposure to normobaric or hypobaric hypoxia, but the effects of hypoxic conditions on fatigue of isolated smaller muscle groups per se are poorly defined. We studied how acute and chronic altitude (ALT) exposure and post-ALT return to sea level (SL) affects voluntary strength and fatigue of the adductor pollicis muscle. Eight healthy men (mean age 28 yr) were studied on five separate occasions: at SL, on days 1 (acute) and 13 (chronic) at ALT (4,300 m), and on days 1 (post 1) and 3 or 4 (post 2) at SL after 20 days of residence at ALT. On each day, maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the adductor pollicis were obtained before and at the end of each minute of submaximal intermittent contractions of the adductor pollicis (50% of MVC of rested muscle, 5 s of contraction/5 s of rest) until exhaustion, defined as the inability to exert or maintain 50% of rested MVC. MVC of rested muscle did not differ among days. Time to exhaustion was shorter at acute ALT [5.1 +/- 0.5 (SE) min] than at SL (7.4 +/- 0.8 min, P < 0.05) and tended to be shorter than at chronic ALT (6.6 +/- 0.7 min, P > 0.05). Compared with acute and chronic ALT, time to exhaustion was prolonged during post 1 (9.0 +/- 1.2 min, P < 0.05) but not post 2 (6.1 +/- 0.5 min, P > 0.05). We conclude that 1) MVC of rested adductor pollicis muscle is not impaired during or after ALT exposure, 2) compared with SL conditions, acute but not chronic ALT exposure leads to a more rapid decline in adductor pollicis MVC associated with submaximal contractions, and 3) time to exhaustion is prolonged for > or = 1 day after return from ALT.

Acclimatization↗

Thermal responses of men and women during cold-water immersion: influence of exercise intensity.

The influence of exercise intensity on thermoregulation was studied in 8 men and 8 women volunteers during three levels of arm-leg exercise (level I: 700 ml oxygen (O2).min-1; level II: 1250 ml O2.min-1; level III: 1700 ml O2.min-1) for 1 h in water at 20 and 28 degrees C (Tw). For the men in Tw 28 degrees C the rectal temperature (Tre) fell 0.79 degree C (P less than 0.05) during immersion in both rest and level-I exercise. With level-II exercise a drop in Tre of 0.54 degree C (P less than 0.05) was noted, while at level-III exercise Tre did not change from the pre-immersion value. At Tw of 20 degrees C, Tre fell throughout immersion with no significant difference in final Tre observed between rest and any exercise level. For the women at rest at Tw 28 degrees C, Tre fell 0.80 degree C (P less than 0.05) below the pre-immersion value. With the two more intense levels of exercise Tre did not decrease during immersion. In Tw 20 degrees C, the women maintained higher Tre (P less than 0.05) during level-II and level-III exercise compared to rest and exercise at level I. The Tre responses were related to changes in tissue insulation (I(t)) between rest and exercise with the largest reductions in I(t) noted between rest and level-I exercise across Tw and gender. For mean and women of similar percentage body fat, decreases in Tre were greater for the women at rest and level-I exercise in Tw 20 degrees C (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Human thermoregulatory responses during heat exposure after artificially induced sunburn.

Thermoregulatory responses in the heat (ambient temperature 49 degrees C, 20% relative humidity, 1 m/s wind) were investigated in 10 unacclimated men during 50 min of cycle ergometer exercise (approximately 53% of maximal aerobic power) after a 10-min rest before as well as 24 h and 1 wk after twice the minimal erythemal dose of UV-B radiation that covered approximately 85% of the body surface area. In 7 subjects esophageal temperature (Tes) was recorded while in all 10 subjects five-site skin and rectal temperatures, heart rate, and back, left forearm, and shielded (12 cm2 area) right forearm sweating rates (msw) were recorded at 15-s intervals. Venous blood was collected before and after exercise-heat stress. Mean skin temperature, Tes, rectal temperature, heart rate, and total body sweating rate were not significantly (P greater than 0.05) affected by sunburn. Pre- and postexercise values of hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasma protein, plasma volume, and plasma osmolality were also not affected (P greater than 0.05) by sunburn. Analysis of presunburn and post-sunburn data showed that the Tes intercept for sweating (degrees C) was unaffected (P greater than 0.05), but msw/Tes and final msw from the left forearm (msw/Tes 0.24 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.17 +/- 0.01 mg.cm-2.min-1. degrees C-1, P less than 0.05; msw 0.60 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.37 +/- 0.02, mg.cm-2.min-1, P less than 0.05) and back (msw/Tes 0.43 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.36 +/- 0.01 mg.cm-2.min-1. degrees C-1, P = 0.052; msw 1.08 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.74 +/- 0.05 mg.cm-2.min-1, P less than 0.05) were significantly reduced 24 h postsunburn.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Human thermoregulatory responses during cold water immersion after artificially induced sunburn.

Thermoregulatory responses during cold-water immersion (water temperature 22 degrees C) were compared in 10 young men before as well as 24 h and 1 wk after twice the minimal erythemal dose of ultraviolet-B radiation that covered approximately 85% of the body surface area. After 10 min of seated rest in cold water, the mean exercised for 50 min on a cycle ergometer (approximately 51% of maximal aerobic power). Rectal temperature, regional and mean heat flow (hc), mean skin temperature from five sites, and hearrt rate were measured continuously for all volunteers while esophageal temperature was measured for six subjects. Venous blood samples were collected before and after cold water immersion. The mean skin temperature was higher (P less than 0.05) throughout the 60-min cold water exposure both 24 h and 1 wk after sunburn compared with before sunburn. Mean hc was higher (P less than 0.05) after 10 min resting immersion and during the first 10 min of exercise when 24 h postsunburn was compared with presunburn, with the difference attributed primarily to higher hc from the back and chest. While rectal temperature and heart rate did not differ between conditions, esophageal temperature before immersion and throughout the 60 min of cold water immersion was higher (P less than 0.05) when 24 h postsunburn was compared with presunburn. Plasma volume increased (P less than 0.05) after 1 wk postsunburn compared with presunburn, whereas plasma protein concentration was reduced (P less than 0.05). After exercise cortisol was greater (P less than 0.05) 24 h postsunburn compared with either presunburn or 1 wk postsunburn.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Body Temperature↗

Human tolerance to heat strain during exercise: influence of hydration.

This study determined whether 1) exhaustion from heat strain occurs at the same body temperatures during exercise in the heat when subjects are euhydrated as when they are hypohydrated, 2) aerobic fitness influences the body temperature at which exhaustion from heat strain occurs, and 3) curves could be developed to estimate exhaustion rates at a given level of physiological strain. Seventeen heat-acclimated men [maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) from 45 to 65 ml.kg-1.min-1] attempted two heat stress tests (HSTs): one when euhydrated and one when hypohydrated by 8% of total body water. The HSTs consisted of 180 min of rest and treadmill walking (45% VO2max) in a hot-dry (ambient temperature 49 degrees C, relative humidity 20%) environment. The required evaporative cooling (Ereq) exceeded the maximal evaporative cooling capacity of the environment (Emax); thus thermal equilibrium could not be achieved and 27 of 34 HSTs ended by exhaustion from heat strain. Our findings concerning exhaustion from heat strain are 1) hypohydration reduced the core temperature that could be tolerated; 2) aerobic fitness, per se, did not influence the magnitude of heat strain that could be tolerated; 3) curves can be developed to estimate exhaustion rates for a given level of physiological strain; and 4) exhaustion was rarely associated with a core temperature up to 38 degrees C, and it always occurred before a temperature of 40 degrees C was achieved. These findings are applicable to heat-acclimated individuals performing moderate-intensity exercise under conditions where Ereq approximates or exceeds Emax and who have high skin temperatures.

Adult↗