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Effect of work load on cutaneous vascular response to exercise
J Smolander1, J Saalo, O Korhonen
1Department of Physiology, Institute of Occupational Health, Vantaa, Finland.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|October 1, 1991
Summary
High-intensity exercise, specifically at 90% maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), significantly impairs skin blood flow and cutaneous vasodilation. This suggests exercise intensity critically influences the body's ability to regulate skin blood flow during exertion.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Cardiovascular Regulation
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Skin blood flow is crucial for thermoregulation during exercise.
- Exercise intensity is a key factor influencing physiological responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying exercise intensities on skin blood flow.
- To determine if exercise intensity affects the esophageal temperature threshold for cutaneous vasodilation.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy men performed 15-minute cycling bouts at 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% of VO2max.
- Forearm blood flow (FBF) and laser-Doppler flowmetry measured skin blood flow.
- Esophageal temperature (Tes) was monitored throughout exercise.
Main Results:
- Skin blood flow response to rising Tes was significantly reduced at 90% VO2max compared to lower intensities.
- The Tes threshold for cutaneous vasodilation increased with exercise intensity, reaching 38.20°C at 90% VO2max.
- No cutaneous vasodilation was observed in two subjects at 90% VO2max.
Conclusions:
- High exercise intensity (90% VO2max) markedly attenuates skin blood flow and cutaneous vasodilation.
- Exercise intensity plays a critical role in modulating the thermoregulatory skin blood flow response.
- The threshold for initiating skin vasodilation is elevated at higher exercise intensities.