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Motion sickness potentiates core cooling during immersion in humans
I B Mekjavic1, M J Tipton, M Gennser
1Institute of Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences, Department of Sports and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2DT, UK. igor.mekjavic@ijs.si
The Journal of Physiology
|September 5, 2001
Summary
Motion sickness impairs the body's ability to regulate temperature during cooling. This blunted vasoconstrictor response increases heat loss, potentially leading to hypothermia and reduced survival in cold environments.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Environmental physiology
Background:
- Thermoregulation is crucial for maintaining core body temperature.
- Motion sickness is a common condition with poorly understood physiological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of motion sickness on human thermoregulatory responses during cold water immersion.
- To determine if motion sickness alters vasoconstriction and heat loss mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy males underwent head-out immersion in 28°C water.
- Three conditions: control, motion sickness provocation (human centrifuge), and G-stress control.
- Measured skin and rectal temperatures, forearm-fingertip temperature difference (DeltaT), oxygen uptake, and heart rate.
Main Results:
- No significant differences between control and G-control conditions.
- Motion sickness significantly attenuated the DeltaT(forearm-fingertip) response, indicating reduced vasoconstriction.
- Rectal temperature decreased at a faster rate during motion sickness immersion.
Conclusions:
- Motion sickness attenuates vasoconstrictor response to cooling, enhancing heat loss.
- This physiological change may predispose individuals to hypothermia.
- Findings have implications for survival in cold maritime environments.