Biomedical subjects

Michael J Tipton

Publications and source records attributed to Michael J Tipton.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Breath-hold performance during cold water immersion: effects of psychological skills training.

INTRODUCTION: Accidental cold water immersion (CWI) is a significant cause of death, particularly in those who are immersed in rough water or forcibly submerged such as in a ditched and inverted helicopter. The marked reduction in maximal breath-hold time associated with CWI, part of the 'cold shock' response, significantly increases the risk of drowning. However, the response is highly variable between subjects. This experiment tested the hypothesis that part of this variability is due to psychological factors. METHODS: There were 32 subjects who completed 2 2.5-min, head-out immersions in 11 degrees C water, separated by 7 d. Between immersions, subjects were matched on initial maximum breath-hold time on immersion (BHwater) and allocated to either a psychological intervention group (PIG) or control group (CG). PIG (n=16) subjects each undertook a psychological skills intervention comprising 4 interlinked training sessions covering goal-setting, arousal regulation, mental imagery, and positive self-talk; CG (n=16) continued normal daily activity. RESULTS: Psychological intervention significantly increased BHwater on immersion in the PIG vs. the CG [mean (SD); CG BHwater immersion 1:24.01 (6.72) s; immersion 2: 21.34 (16.31) s; PIG: BHwater immersion 1: 24.66 (14.60) s; immersion 2: 44.25 (31.63) s]. The difference in maximum voluntary BHwater between immersion 1 and 2 in the PIG averaged 19.59 s, equating to an 80% increase following psychological intervention. CONCLUSION: Psychological influences may account for a significant amount of the variability in the respiratory responses during CWI, and may be a key factor in determining the chances of survival following accidental immersion.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Can firefighter instructors perform a simulated rescue after a live fire training exercise?

Two studies were undertaken to determine whether firefighter instructors are capable of performing a simulated rescue task after undertaking a live fire training exercise (LFTE) lasting approximately 40 min. In the first study, ten instructors performed two simulated rescue tasks in air at 19 degrees C, involving dragging an 81-kg dummy for 15 m along a corridor and down two flights of stairs. The first rescue acted as a control (Rcontrol) and was conducted when they were euhydrated and normothermic. The second task was undertaken 10.4 (3.3) min [mean (SD)] after a LFTE resulting in an average rectal temperature of 38.1 (0.4) degrees C (Rhot). All instructors were able to successfully complete Rcontrol and Rhot in 90.1 (28.6) s and 78.7 (15.6) s respectively. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were higher after the LFTE [162 (16) beats min(-1) versus 180 (15) beats min(-1); and 13.3 (2.4) versus 15.7 (2.1), respectively, P<0.001]. In the second study, six instructors (one instructor participated twice giving seven trials) undertook a simulated rescue task in 16 degrees C involving dragging an 85-kg dummy along a flat surface 79 (65) s after a LFTE that increased rectal temperature to 38.3 (0.7) degrees C. On six occasions the instructor was able to successfully complete the full 30-m drag in 41.7 (6.9) s and one instructor dragged the dummy for 20 m before stopping through exhaustion. HR during the rescue task reached 173 (19) beats min(-1) and RPE was 16.3 (2.4). In conclusion, most of the instructors were able to perform a rescue task after the LFTE, however they were close to their physical limit.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Human temperature regulation during cycling with moderate leg ischaemia.

The effect of graded ischaemia in the legs on the regulation of body temperature during steady-state exercise was investigated in seven healthy males. It was hypothesised that graded ischaemia in the working muscles increases heat storage within the muscles, which in turn potentiates sweat secretion during exercise. Blood perfusion in the working muscles was reduced by applying a supra-atmospheric pressure (+6.6 kPa) around the legs, which reduced maximal working capacity by 29%. Each subject conducted three separate test trials comprising 30 min of steady-state cycling in a supine position. Exercise with unrestricted blood flow (Control trial) was compared to ischaemic exercise conducted at an identical relative work rate (Relative trial), as well as at an identical absolute work rate (Absolute trial); the latter corresponding to a 20% increase in relative workload. The average (SD) increases in both the rectal and oesophageal temperatures during steady-state cycling was 0.3 (0.2) degrees C and did not significantly differ between the three trials. The increase in muscle temperature was similar in the Control (2.7 (0.3) degrees C) and Absolute (2.4 (0.7) degrees C) trials, but was substantially lower (P < 0.01) in the Relative trial (1.4 (0.8) degrees C). Ischaemia potentiated (P < 0.01) sweating on the forehead in the Absolute trial (24.2 (7.3) g m(-2) min(-1)) compared to the Control trial (13.4 (6.2) g m(-2) min(-1)), concomitant with an attenuated (P < 0.05) vasodilatation in the skin during exercise. It is concluded that graded ischaemia in working muscles potentiates the exercise sweating response and attenuates vasodilatation in the skin initiated by increased core temperature, effects which may be attributed to an augmented muscle metaboreflex.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Human thermoregulatory function during exercise and immersion after 35 days of horizontal bed-rest and recovery.

The present study evaluated the effect of 35 days of experimental horizontal bed-rest on exercise and immersion thermoregulatory function. Fifteen healthy male volunteers were assigned to either a Control (n = 5) or Bed-rest (n = 10) group. Thermoregulatory function was evaluated during a 30-min bout of submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer, followed immediately by a 100-min immersion in 28 degrees C water. For the Bed-rest group, exercise and immersion thermoregulatory responses observed post-bed-rest were compared with those after a 5 week supervised active recovery period. In both trials, the absolute work load during the exercise portion of the test was identical. During the exercise and immersion, we recorded skin temperature, rectal temperature, the difference in temperature between the forearm and third digit of the right hand (DeltaT(forearm-fingertip))--an index of skin blood flow, sweating rate from the forehead, oxygen uptake and heart rate at minute intervals. Subjects provided ratings of temperature perception and thermal comfort at 5-min intervals. Exercise thermoregulatory responses after bed-rest and recovery were similar. Subjective ratings of temperature perception and thermal comfort during immersion indicated that subjects perceived similar combinations of Tsk and Tre to be warmer and thermally less uncomfortable after bed-rest. The average (SD) exercise-induced increase in Tre relative to resting values was not significantly different between the Post-bed-rest (0.4 (0.2) degrees C) and Recovery (0.5 (0.2) degrees C) trials. During the post-exercise immersion, the decrease in Tre, relative to resting values, was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the Post-bed-rest trial (0.9 (0.5) degrees C) than after recovery (0.4 (0.3) degrees C). DeltaT(forearm-fingertip) was 5.2 (0.9) degrees C and 5.8 (1.0) degrees C at the end of the post-bed-rest and recovery immersions, respectively. The gain of the shivering response (increase in VO(2) relative to the decrease in Tre; VO(2)/Tre) was 1.19 l min(-1) degrees C(-1) in the Recovery trial, and was significantly attenuated to 0.51 l min(-1) degrees C(-1) in the Post-bed-rest trial. The greater cooling rate observed in the post-bed-rest trial is attributed to the greater heat loss and reduced heat production. The former is the result of attenuated cold-induced vasoconstriction and enhanced sweating rate, and the latter a result of a lower shivering VO(2) response.

Bed Rest↗

PubMed2005

Motion sickness decreases arterial pressure and therefore acceleration tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Motion sickness is a common aeromedical problem that may occur in pilots exposed to increased gravitoinertial load in the head-to-foot direction (+Gz). Since motion sickness may affect autonomic nervous functions including cardiovascular control, it was hypothesized that it might interfere with cardiovascular responses to high +Gz, thereby decreasing G tolerance. METHODS: G tolerance and cardiovascular responses to increased G load were studied in nine subjects in a centrifuge environment under two conditions. In the motion sickness condition, the subject was exposed to a motion sickness provocation (MSP) comprising repeated rapid changes in G load in combination with a regimen of head movements. In the control condition the subject was exposed to similar cumulative G-time stress, but without the MSP. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured. An index of peripheral vascular resistance was achieved by measuring the difference in skin temperature between the forearm and fingertip (deltaT(forearm-fingertip)). RESULTS: MSP decreased gradual-onset rate G tolerance from 5.1 +/- 1.0 G (mean +/- SD) to 4.6 +/- 0.9 G. There was no change in gradual-onset rate G tolerance in the control condition. Rapid-onset rate G tolerance was lower in the motion sickness (2.9 +/- 0.5 G) than in the control (3.4 +/- 0.3 G) condition. MSP reduced MAP by 11 mmHg and deltaT(forearm-fingertip) by 4.2 +/- 4.1 degrees C. In the control condition MAP and deltaT(forearm-fingertip) were unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: Motion sickness may reduce the arterial pressure response to the extent that the capacity of an individual to withstand increased G loads in the head-to-foot direction is significantly diminished.

Acceleration↗

PubMed2004

Repeated cold showers as a method of habituating humans to the initial responses to cold water immersion.

The hypothesis that the initial responses to cold water immersion could be attenuated by repeated cold showers was tested. Eighteen (13 men, 5 women) non-habituated subjects undertook two 3-min head-out seated immersions into stirred water at 10 degrees C wearing swim wear. The immersions were separated by 4 days during which time they took six cold showers. The subjects were randomly split into three groups with different showering regimes: 3 min at 10 degrees C on the back (10B); 3 min at 15 degrees C on the back (15B); and 30 s at 10 degrees C on the back followed by 30 s on the front (10BF). Over the first 30 s of immersion respiratory frequency ( f (R)) was reduced by 21% in groups 10B and 10BF from 54 (14) to 44 (16) breaths.min(-1) ( P <0.05), and 33 (8) to 26 (10) breaths.min(-1) ( P <0.05) respectively, following repeated showers. Group 15B showed no change in f (R). The tachycardia induced on immersion in water at 10 degrees C was not reduced by repeated showers except in group 15B during the last 150 s [from 119 (23) to 105 (25) beats.min(-1), P <0.05]. Repeated showering in water at 10 degrees C reduced the respiratory drive (as measured by f (R)) during head-out immersion in water at the same temperature. No such habituation was observed with repeated showers in warmer water (15 degrees C). It is concluded that when the body surface area cooled is the same, the rate of change of skin temperature is an important factor in determining the degree of habituation produced.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2004

Physiological responses of fire-fighter instructors during training exercises.

Thirteen male instructors were monitored during a total of 44 live fire training exercises (ambient temperature 74+/-42 degrees C). Exposure time during the 'Hot Fire' (HF), 'Fire Behaviour' and 'Fire Attack' exercises was 33.0+/-7.9 min (n=30); 26.3+/-5.5 min (n=6); and 7.3+/-2.6 min (n=8) respectively. At the end of the exercises, mean core temperature (t(core)) was 38.5+/-0.9 degrees C (n=32), however eight instructors had a t(core) above 39 degrees C. The mean maximum temperature under the fire hood was 41.2+/-4.6 degrees C (n=40). Mean maximum heart rate (HR) was 138+/-26 bpm (n=34) however, in five exercises, HR exceeded 90% of the instructors' HR reserve. Mean fluid deficit was 0.62+/-0.6 l (n=30) at the end of the HF exercises, the maximum being 2.54 l. Four instructors doubted their ability to perform a rescue at the end of the exercise. The energy cost of performing simulated rescues of a 50 kg dummy in the cool was investigated in a pilot study. Mean HR during the rescues was 79+/-7% of the instructors' HR reserve and it was estimated that this could increase t(core) by 0.4 to 0.6 degrees C. The physiological responses to the fire-fighting exercises varied considerably and reflected the differences in work performed and external heat load. The results obtained from some individuals give cause for concern, and signs of heat strain were seen in at least two individuals.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Human physiological responses to cold exposure.

Thermal energy is transferred within and between bodies via several avenues, but for most unprotected human cold exposures, particularly during immersion, convective heat loss dominates. Lower tissue temperatures stimulate thermoreceptors, and the resultant afferent flow elicits autonomic homoeostatic responses (thermogenesis and vasoconstriction) that regulate body temperature within a narrow range. The most powerful effector responses occur when both superficial and deep thermoreceptors are cooled simultaneously, but thermoeffector activation can also occur as a result of peripheral cooling alone. The responses to cold, and the hazards associated with cold exposure, are moderated by factors which influence heat production and heat loss, including the severity and duration of cold stimuli, accompanying exercise, the magnitude of the metabolic response, and individual characteristics such as body composition, age, and gender. Cold stress can quickly overwhelm human thermoregulation with consequences ranging from impaired performance to death. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the human physiological responses to acute cold exposure.

Body Temperature Regulation↗

PubMed2002

Using skin temperature gradients or skin heat flux measurements to determine thresholds of vasoconstriction and vasodilatation.

Forearm-fingertip skin temperature differentials (T(sk-diff)) are used to indicate vasomotor tone, vasoconstriction defined as having occurred when T(sk-diff)> or =4 degrees C (Sessler et al. 1987, 1988a, b). This study was conducted to determine whether T(sk-diff) or finger pad heat flux (HF) can be used to predict when vasoconstriction and vasodilatation occur. Seven subjects (one female) sat in water at [mean (SD)] 40.7 (0.8) degrees C until their core temperature (T(c)) increased by 1 degrees C, ensuring vasodilatation. The water was then cooled [at a rate of 0.6 (0.1) degrees C x min(-1)] until T(c) fell to 0.5 degrees C below pretesting values, causing vasoconstriction. Subjects were then rewarmed in water [41.2 (1.0) degrees C]. Skin blood flow (SkBF) was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) on the left second finger pad [immersed in water at 10.4 (1.4) degrees C as part of another experiment], and infrared plethysmography on the third finger pad of both hands. T(sk-diff) and HF were measured on the right upper limb, which remained in air. When vasodilated, the subjects had a stable T(sk-diff) and HF. During cooling, rapid-onset vasoconstriction occurred coincidental with large gradient changes in HF and T(sk-diff) (inflection points). In two subjects the original vasoconstriction definition (T(sk-diff)> or =4 degrees C) was not attained, in the other five this was achieved 31-51 min after vasoconstriction. During rewarming, the T(sk-diff) and HF inflection points less accurately reflected the onset of vasodilatation, although with one exception they were within 5 min of the LDF changes. We conclude that T(sk-diff) and HF inflection points predict vasoconstriction accurately, and better than T(sk-diff)> or =4 degrees C.

Adult↗