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Temperature regulation during exercise in water and air
Acta Physiologica Scandinavica
|December 1, 1976
Summary
Exercise in water lowers body core temperature compared to cycling in air. This is due to increased heat transfer in water, leading to lower core temperatures and higher heat conductance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Environmental Physiology
Background:
- Thermoregulation during exercise is crucial for maintaining homeostasis.
- Heat dissipation capacity varies significantly between aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare body core temperature responses during exercise in water versus air.
- To investigate the influence of exercise modality on heat exchange and conductance.
Main Methods:
- Four healthy subjects exercised in a swimming flume (water) and on a cycle ergometer (air).
- Measurements included core (rectal, esophageal) and skin temperatures, metabolic energy, heat production, maximal aerobic power (VO2 max), and heat conductance.
- Mean skin temperatures were controlled at 30°C (swimming) and 33°C (cycling).
Main Results:
- For equivalent metabolic rates and skin temperatures, esophageal and rectal temperatures were ~0.4°C lower during swimming than cycling.
- Peripheral tissue heat conductance was consistently higher during swimming.
- Relative workload (%VO2 max) reduced intersubject variability in core temperatures but did not eliminate exercise modality differences.
Conclusions:
- Increased heat dissipation in water leads to lower core body temperatures during exercise compared to air.
- Higher heat conductance in water suggests enhanced skin circulation, facilitating greater heat loss.
- Water immersion during exercise reduces heat storage at the onset compared to exercising in air.