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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
Published on: July 1, 2021
Self-pacing as a protective mechanism against the effects of heat stress
Veronica Miller1, Graham Bates, John D Schneider
1Curtin University, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Public Health, Perth, Western Australia. v.s.miller@curtin.edu.au
Objective:
Self-pacing or avoidance of physiological strain by adjustment of work rate may be an important protective behaviour for manual workers in severe thermal conditions. Data were gathered at a number of industrial sites in the United Arab Emirates to assess whether self-pacing takes place in these workers.
Methods:
Heart rate and aural temperature were monitored in 150 subjects for 12 h daily over 2 consecutive days. Environmental parameters were measured for quantification of heat stress by the thermal work limit.
Results:
There was no evidence of an effect of variation in environmental thermal stress on either average working heart rate or aural temperature.
Conclusion:
These studies provide evidence that self-pacing is a protective response to working in heat which does not require a highly informed workforce; recognition of this should form part of a holistic approach to management of heat stress in hot climates.
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