Metabolic and vasomotor insulative responses occurring on immersion in cold water

Twenty male volunteers (17-28 yr of age) exhibiting a range of body weights (60 kg less than or equal to Wt less than or equal to 95 kg) and body fat (7% less than or equal to BF less than or equal to 23%) underwent total immersion while at rest in water between 36 and 20 degrees C. The metabolic heat production measured as a function of time and water temperature was converted to explicit linear functions of core (Tre) and mean skin (Tsk) temperature for each individual immersion. The metabolic functions defined planes of thermogenic activity that showed a fourfold steeper slope with respect to changes in Tsk for small lean subjects than for large fatter subjects. Small lean males also exhibited steeper slopes with respect to changes in Tre than heavier phenotypes. The time course of Tsk and Tre was simulated for each individual immersion with the aid of a time-dependent system of differential heat balance equations coupling different body compartments to the water bath. This formulation permitted the evaluation of internal and external conductances as a function of water temperature. Maximal internal insulation, indicating full vasoconstriction, was achieved at higher bath temperatures in small lean subjects than large fatter subjects. A decline in insulation is seen above a critical metabolic level (approximately 150 W) in small to average size subjects.