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Effect of ambient temperature changes in autonomic responses
K Deswal1, S K Bajaj, S S Sircar
1Department of Physiology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Moderate temperature changes significantly alter autonomic nervous system function in male students. Lower temperatures reduced Valsalva ratio and cold pressor response, indicating altered autonomic responses.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Environmental Health
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
Background:
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary bodily functions.
- Environmental factors, such as ambient temperature, can influence physiological responses.
- Understanding ANS adaptability to temperature changes is crucial for health and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of moderate ambient temperature variations on autonomic function in male medical students.
- To assess how autonomic responses differ at higher versus lower ambient temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Autonomic function tests were performed on male medical students.
- Tests included Valsalva ratio, standing-to-lying ratio (S/L ratio), and cold pressor response (CPR).
- Measurements were taken at two distinct ambient temperatures: 37.45°C ± 0.52°C and 32.54°C ± 0.65°C.
Main Results:
- At lower ambient temperature (32.54°C), a decrease in Valsalva ratio was observed.
- The standing-to-lying ratio (S/L ratio) increased at the lower ambient temperature.
- Cold pressor response (CPR) showed lesser augmentation in systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the lower temperature compared to the higher temperature.
Conclusions:
- Moderate changes in ambient temperature significantly alter autonomic nervous system activity.
- Autonomic responses, including baroreflex sensitivity and cardiovascular reactivity, are modulated by ambient temperature.
- These findings highlight the sensitivity of the autonomic system to environmental thermal conditions.