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Human thermoregulatory behavior during rest and exercise - a prospective review
Zachary J Schlader1, Stephen R Stannard, Toby Mündel
1Exercise and Sport Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand. Z.J.Schlader@massey.ac.nz
Physiology & Behavior
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Human behavior plays a key role in temperature regulation, influencing both rest and exercise. Skin temperature changes signal the need for behavioral adjustments to maintain thermal balance.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Behavioral Science
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Thermoregulation is crucial for human well-being and performance.
- Behavioral responses are primary mechanisms for maintaining thermal balance during rest.
- Autonomic responses are activated when behavioral thermoregulation is insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of behavioral thermoregulation during exercise in the heat.
- To identify the perceptual triggers for behavioral thermoregulation during self-paced exercise.
- To understand how skin temperature influences behavioral responses in different thermal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing self-paced exercise in heat as a thermo-behavioral model.
- Monitoring physiological and perceptual responses during exercise.
- Analyzing the relationship between skin temperature, thermal sensation, and exercise intensity.
Main Results:
- Reductions in exercise work-rate were observed in the heat, indicating behavioral regulation.
- Elevated skin temperature was identified as a key mediator of these behavioral changes.
- Perception of effort emerged as a significant perceptual trigger for behavioral adjustments.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral thermoregulation is a critical component of maintaining thermal homeostasis during exercise in the heat.
- Skin temperature serves as a vital signal for initiating behavioral thermoregulatory responses.
- Understanding these thermo-behavioral mechanisms can inform strategies for exercise in hot environments.
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