Effect of glucose electrolyte ingestion on physiological changes due to severe heat stress

Severe heat stress experienced by aircrew during summer months can cause deterioration in performance. Acute heat stress can also lead to dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Previous studies emphasised the need of K+ replacement. This study was carried out to determine the effect of glucose electrolyte ingestion (ELECTRAL) on thermal strain parameters. Ten healthy male subjects in the age group of 19-43 years were exposed to an acute thermal environment of 50 degrees C Tdb with relative humidity of 30% for 40 min. twice each day on two different days with an interval of one hour in between the exposures. At the beginning of rest period electrolyte solution was ingested during electrolyte trials and water under control trials. Physiological parameters of Tsk, T or, HR and electrolyte concentration of Na+ and K+ in sweat did not show any significant difference in both the trials. Sweat loss was significantly higher during electrolyte trials.