Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2025

Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors
Published on: February 7, 2018
Cardiovascular and Blood Oxidative Stress Responses to Exercise and Acute Woodsmoke Exposure in Recreationally Active
Cassie M Williamson-Reisdorph1, Kathryn G Tiemessen1, Katie Christison1
1School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana.
Introduction:
Those who work and recreate outdoors experience woodsmoke exposure during fire season. Exercise during woodsmoke exposure harms the cardiovascular system, but the acute physiologic and biochemical responses are understudied. The purpose of this pilot laboratory-based study was to examine the effect of exercise during woodsmoke exposure on acute indicators of cardiovascular function, including heart rate variability (HRV), pulse wave velocity (PWV), blood pressure (BP), augmentation index (AIx), and blood oxidative stress.
Methods:
Ten participants performed 2 moderate-intensity exercise (70% V˙O2 max) trials (clean air 0 μg·m-3, woodsmoke 250 μg·m-3) in a crossover design. HRV, PWV, BP, AIx, and blood oxidative stress were measured before, after, and 90 min after exercise for each trial. Blood oxidative stress was quantified through lipid damage (LOOH, 8-ISO), protein damage (3-NT, PC), and antioxidant capacity (TEAC).
Results:
A 45-min woodsmoke exposure combined with moderate-intensity exercise did not result in a statistically significant difference in HRV, PWV, BP, AIx, or oxidative stress (P>0.05).
Conclusions:
Despite the known deleterious effects of smoke inhalation, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise while exposed to woodsmoke particulate matter (250 μg·m-3) did not result in a statistically significant difference in HRV, PWV, or blood oxidative stress in this methodologic context. Although findings do not negate the negative impact of woodsmoke inhalation, additional research approaches are needed to better understand the acute effects of smoke exposure on the cardiovascular system.
More Related Videos
07:35Aggravation of Myocardial Ischemia upon Particulate Matter Exposure in Atherosclerosis Animal Model
Published on: December 10, 2021
07:26Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV