Thermal and non-thermal influences on post-exercise thermoregulation

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In recent years several studies have suggested that a disturbance in body core temperature regulation occurs following the cessation of exercise. In the post-exercise period the levels of skin blood flow and sweating return to resting levels despite a persistent elevation in body core temperature, suggesting an alteration in thermoregulatory control. Recent work has shown that non-thermal factors, associated with hemodynamic changes post-exercise may influence the regulation of body core temperature during exercise recovery. A compromised thermoregulatory response following physical exertion is of considerable concern within a working environment due to the associated increased risk of post-exertional heat-related injury. My research program is aimed at 1) understanding the etiology of the post-exercise disturbance in thermal homeostasis; and 2) evaluating the possible thermal and non-thermal factors which may contribute to this prolonged hyperthermic state. The proposed studies will be directed at investigating the separate and integrated influences of thermal and non-thermal factors on body core temperature regulation during single and intermittent bouts of exercise; and as a function of different biomedical factors which could alter this response (i.e., sex, age, physical fitness, heat acclimation). The design of this research program is unique in its attempt to characterize the integrated responses of simultaneous thermal and non-thermal reflexes by directly measuring the individual components of heat production and heat loss using a whole-body calorimeter. Studying the physiological responses elicited involuntarily by the human body to promote the dissipation of heat and directly measuring the subsequent heat exchange to the environment via calorimetry, will allow a better understanding of how heat stress develops. This will potentially allow for earlier prediction of its onset. Further, by considering the relative influence of biomedical characteristics affecting heat balance, we will also be able to develop a more comprehensive risk assessment data that could be used to validate existing predictive heat stress models that would be more tailored to the individual.