Biomedical subjects

M N Sawka

Publications and source records attributed to M N Sawka.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1995

Metabolic and thermal adaptations from endurance training in hot or cold water.

Metabolic and thermal adaptations resulting from endurance training in hot vs. cold water were compared. It was hypothesized that training in hot water would have greater effects on muscle glycogen use and blood lactate accumulation during exercise than training in cold water. Eighteen men exercised at 60% of maximal oxygen uptake while immersed in hot (n = 9) or cold water (n = 9) for 1 h, 5 days/wk, for 8 wk. Training in hot water (35 degrees C) potentiated body temperature increases during exercise, and training in cold water (20 degrees C) blunted body temperature increases during exercise. Before and after training, cardiorespiratory and thermoregulatory responses and muscle glycogen and blood lactate changes were assessed during a 1-h exercise trial in hot water and, on a separate day using the same intensity, in cold water. Oxygen uptake was similar for all trials, averaging 2.0 +/- 0.1 l/min. It was observed that 1) training reduced glycogen use and lactate accumulation during exercise, with no difference between cold and hot water training groups in the magnitude of this effect; 2) lactate accumulation during exercise was the same in hot water as in cold water; and 3) skin temperature decreased more rapidly during cold-water exercise after than before training, with no difference between cold and hot water training groups in the magnitude of this effect. Thus, exercise-induced body temperature increases are not an important stimulus for glycogen-sparing effects and blunted lactate accumulation associated with endurance training.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1995

Predicting human heat strain and performance with application to space operations.

This Institute has developed a USARIEM Heat Strain Prediction Model for predicting physiological responses and soldier performance in the heat, which has been programmed for use by hand-held calculators and personal computers, and incorporated into the development of a heat strain decision aid. This model is demonstrated to predict accurately (generally within +/- 1 SD/SEM) rectal temperature (Tre) responses for soldiers wearing various military clothing ensembles during U.S. or non-U.S. military scenarios in the heat at home or abroad. The value of this model is shown presently for three NASA scenarios involving the Launch and Entry Suit (LES). The LES (ventilated or unventilated) is modeled during pre-launch/launch, re-entry/landing, and emergency egress after re-entry/landing scenarios, predominately to evaluate heat acclimation and hydration state effects. During the pre-launch/launch scenario, predicted final Tre closely agrees with observed values suggesting minimal heat strain (Tre approximately 38.0 degrees C). In contrast, dehydrated (3%) unacclimated individuals show moderate levels of heat strain (Tre approximately 38.5 degrees C) for this same scenario. During the re-entry/landing and emergency egress scenarios, dehydrated unacclimated individuals are predicted to exhibit excessive heat strain (Tre > 39.0 degrees C). Thermal tolerance time is predicted to be only 6 min during emergency egress if individuals are dehydrated and unacclimated to heat while wearing the LES. If heat transfer values for space operations clothing are known, NASA can use this prediction model to help avoid undue heat strain involving astronauts for most scenarios during spaceflight.

Acclimatization↗

PubMed1994

Pyridostigmine bromide does not alter thermoregulation during exercise in cold air.

This study examined the effects of acute and chronic pyridostigmine bromide (PB) administration on thermoregulatory and metabolic responses to exercise in cold air (5 degrees C). Seven healthy men completed two 7-day trials in a double-blind, crossover experimental design: during one trial they received PB (30 mg three times daily) and during the other trial they received placebo. For each trial, subjects attempted four (3 h) exercise tests: low-intensity exercise (approximately 25% VO2max) and moderate-intensity exercise (approximately 50% VO2max), on days 2 and 3 and again on days 6 and 7. Metabolic rate, body temperatures, and venous blood samples were obtained before and during exercise. Red blood cell acetylcholinesterase inhibition induced by PB increased (p < 0.05) from 34% on day 1 to 43% on days 3-7. Metabolic rate, body temperatures, and regional heat conductance responses were not different between trials. Plasma glucose, glycerol, free fatty acid, lactate, sodium, and potassium concentrations were not different between trials. In addition, differences were not found between acute and chronic experiments for any thermoregulatory or metabolic responses. These findings demonstrate that the PB dosage used by military personnel, as a pharmacological defense against nerve-agent poisoning, should not cause any adverse thermoregulatory or metabolic effects during moderate activity in cold climates.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Physiological tolerance to uncompensable heat stress: effects of exercise intensity, protective clothing, and climate.

This study determined the influence of exercise intensity, protective clothing level, and climate on physiological tolerance to uncompensable heat stress. It also compared the relationship between core temperature and the incidence of exhaustion from heat strain for persons wearing protective clothing to previously published data of unclothed persons during uncompensable heat stress. Seven heat-acclimated men attempted 180-min treadmill walks at metabolic rates of approximately 425 and 600 W while wearing full (clo = 1.5) or partial (clo = 1.3) protective clothing in both a desert (43 degrees C dry bulb, 20% relative humidity, wind 2.2 m/s) and tropical (35 degrees C dry bulb, 50% relative humidity, wind 2.2 m/s) climate. During these trials, the evaporative cooling required to maintain thermal balance exceeded the maximal evaporative capacity of the environment and core temperature continued to rise until exhaustion from heat strain occurred. Our findings concerning exhaustion from heat strain are 1) full encapsulation in protective clothing reduces physiological tolerance as core temperature at exhaustion was lower (P < 0.05) in fully than in partially clothed persons, 2) partial encapsulation results in physiological tolerance similar to that reported for unclothed persons, 3) raising metabolic rate from 400 to 600 W does not alter physiological tolerance when subjects are fully clothed, and 4) physiological tolerance is similar when subjects are wearing protective clothing in desert and tropical climates having the same wet bulb globe thermometer. These findings can improve occupational safety guidelines for human heat exposure, as they provide further evidence that the incidence of exhaustion from heat strain can be predicted from core temperature.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Role of thermal factors on aerobic capacity improvements with endurance training.

This investigation studied the importance of the rise in body temperature during exercise for aerobic capacity adaptations produced by endurance training. The approach used was to compare training effects produced by subjects exercising in hot (35 degrees C) water vs. cold (20 degrees C) water. Hot water was used to potentiate, and cold water to blunt, the rise in body temperature during exercise. Eighteen young men trained by cycle-ergometer exercise at 60% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) while immersed to the neck in either hot (HWT, n = 9) or cold (CWT, n = 9) water for 60 min, 5 days/wk, for 8 wk. Before and after training, VO2max, erythrocyte volume, plasma volume, and vastus lateralis citrate synthase activity were measured. Training increased (P < 0.01) VO2max by 13%, with no difference between HWT and CWT in the magnitude of the effect. Erythrocyte volume increased 4% (P < 0.01) with training, with no difference between HWT and CWT in the magnitude of the effect. Plasma volume remained unchanged by training in both the HWT and CWT groups. Last, vastus lateralis citrate synthase activity increased by 38% with training, but there was no difference between HWT and CWT in the training effect. Thus, exercise-induced body temperature elevations are not an important stimulus for the aerobic adaptations to moderate-intensity endurance training.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1992

Human thermoregulatory responses during cold water immersion after artificially induced sunburn.

Thermoregulatory responses during cold-water immersion (water temperature 22 degrees C) were compared in 10 young men before as well as 24 h and 1 wk after twice the minimal erythemal dose of ultraviolet-B radiation that covered approximately 85% of the body surface area. After 10 min of seated rest in cold water, the mean exercised for 50 min on a cycle ergometer (approximately 51% of maximal aerobic power). Rectal temperature, regional and mean heat flow (hc), mean skin temperature from five sites, and hearrt rate were measured continuously for all volunteers while esophageal temperature was measured for six subjects. Venous blood samples were collected before and after cold water immersion. The mean skin temperature was higher (P less than 0.05) throughout the 60-min cold water exposure both 24 h and 1 wk after sunburn compared with before sunburn. Mean hc was higher (P less than 0.05) after 10 min resting immersion and during the first 10 min of exercise when 24 h postsunburn was compared with presunburn, with the difference attributed primarily to higher hc from the back and chest. While rectal temperature and heart rate did not differ between conditions, esophageal temperature before immersion and throughout the 60 min of cold water immersion was higher (P less than 0.05) when 24 h postsunburn was compared with presunburn. Plasma volume increased (P less than 0.05) after 1 wk postsunburn compared with presunburn, whereas plasma protein concentration was reduced (P less than 0.05). After exercise cortisol was greater (P less than 0.05) 24 h postsunburn compared with either presunburn or 1 wk postsunburn.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Body Temperature↗

PubMed1992

Human tolerance to heat strain during exercise: influence of hydration.

This study determined whether 1) exhaustion from heat strain occurs at the same body temperatures during exercise in the heat when subjects are euhydrated as when they are hypohydrated, 2) aerobic fitness influences the body temperature at which exhaustion from heat strain occurs, and 3) curves could be developed to estimate exhaustion rates at a given level of physiological strain. Seventeen heat-acclimated men [maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) from 45 to 65 ml.kg-1.min-1] attempted two heat stress tests (HSTs): one when euhydrated and one when hypohydrated by 8% of total body water. The HSTs consisted of 180 min of rest and treadmill walking (45% VO2max) in a hot-dry (ambient temperature 49 degrees C, relative humidity 20%) environment. The required evaporative cooling (Ereq) exceeded the maximal evaporative cooling capacity of the environment (Emax); thus thermal equilibrium could not be achieved and 27 of 34 HSTs ended by exhaustion from heat strain. Our findings concerning exhaustion from heat strain are 1) hypohydration reduced the core temperature that could be tolerated; 2) aerobic fitness, per se, did not influence the magnitude of heat strain that could be tolerated; 3) curves can be developed to estimate exhaustion rates for a given level of physiological strain; and 4) exhaustion was rarely associated with a core temperature up to 38 degrees C, and it always occurred before a temperature of 40 degrees C was achieved. These findings are applicable to heat-acclimated individuals performing moderate-intensity exercise under conditions where Ereq approximates or exceeds Emax and who have high skin temperatures.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Erythrocyte, plasma, and blood volume of healthy young men.

Insufficient data are readily available concerning the vascular fluid volumes of healthy young men. The primary purpose of this study was to develop a normative database for the erythrocyte volume, plasma volume, and blood volume of healthy young men. The secondary purposes were to relate these vascular fluid volumes to the person's body size and physical fitness level and to develop equations that enable their prediction. Fifty-one male soldiers with a mean age of 22 (range 18-35) yr and with a mean maximal aerobic power of 53 (range 42-65) ml O2.kg-1.min-1 had their lean body mass and vascular fluid volumes measured. Erythrocyte volume was measured by 51Cr, and plasma volume was measured by 125I. The findings concerning the erythrocyte volume, plasma volume, and blood volume of these young men are summarized as follows: 1) these vascular fluid volumes are accurately predicted from several indices of body size; 2) lean body mass is the anthropometric index that is most closely correlated to these vascular fluid volumes; 3) the erythrocyte volumes for a given body surface area are lower, particularly for large individuals, than values previously reported in surveys of undefined populations; 4) aerobic fitness is generally not related to vascular volumes; and 5) F-cell ratio is not related to aerobic fitness.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Current concepts concerning thirst, dehydration, and fluid replacement: overview.

For healthy endurance athletes, two potentially life-threatening medical emergencies are dehydration-mediated heat injuries and hyponatremia. Likewise, dehydration reduces exercise performance via thermoregulatory and cardiovascular impairment as well as electrolyte imbalances. Authors of this symposium integrate new research findings with established concepts concerning the development of dehydration (body water deficit), the physiological and medical consequences of fluid imbalance, and fluid (volume and composition) replacement strategies that minimize the risk of medical emergencies and optimize exercise performance. The following papers provide the readers with an appreciation of the historical development of current concepts and offer an informed opinion concerning fluid replacement strategies for a variety of work performance athletic events.

Fluid Therapy↗

PubMed1992

Physiological consequences of hypohydration: exercise performance and thermoregulation.

During exercise in the heat, sweat output often exceeds water intake, which results in a body water deficit or hypohydration. This water deficit occurs from both the intracellular and extracellular fluid compartments, and causes a hypertonic-hypovolemia of the blood. Aerobic exercise tasks are likely to be adversely affected by hypohydration; and the warmer the environment the greater the potential for performance decrements. Hypohydration causes greater heat storage and reduces one's ability to tolerate heat strain. The greater heat storage is mediated by reduced sweating rate (evaporative heat loss) and reduced skin blood flow (dry heat loss) for a given core temperature. Reductions of sweating rate and skin blood flow are most tightly coupled to blood hypertonicity and hypovolemia, respectively. In addition, hypovolemia and the displacement of blood to the skin make it difficult to maintain central venous pressure and thus an adequate cardiac output to simultaneously support metabolism and thermoregulation during exercise-heat stress.

Blood Volume↗

PubMed1991

Hypohydration does not impair skeletal muscle glycogen resynthesis after exercise.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of moderate hypohydration (HY) on skeletal muscle glycogen resynthesis after exhaustive exercise. On two occasions, eight males completed 2 h of intermittent cycle ergometer exercise (4 bouts of 17 min at 60% and 3 min at 80% of maximal O2 consumption/10 min rest) to reduce muscle glycogen concentrations (control values 711 +/- 41 mumol/g dry wt). During one trial, cycle exercise was followed by several hours of light upper body exercise in the heat without fluid replacement to induce HY (-5% body wt); in the second trial, sufficient water was ingested during the upper body exercise and heat exposure to maintain euhydration (EU). In both trials, 400 g of carbohydrate were ingested at the completion of exercise and followed by 15 h of rest while the desired hydration level was maintained. Muscle biopsy samples were obtained from the vastus lateralis immediately after intermittent cycle exercise (T1) and after 15 h of rest (T2). During the HY trial, the muscle water content was lower (P less than 0.05) at T1 and T2 (288 +/- 9 and 265 +/- 5 ml/100 g dry wt, respectively; NS) than during EU (313 +/- 8 and 301 +/- 4 ml/100 g dry wt, respectively; NS). Muscle glycogen concentration was not significantly different during EU and HY at T1 (200 +/- 35 vs. 251 +/- 50 mumol/g dry wt) or T2 (452 +/- 34 vs. 491 +/- 35 mumol/g dry wt). These data indicate that, despite reduced water content during the first 15 h after heavy exercise, skeletal muscle glycogen resynthesis is not impaired.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Effects of pyridostigmine bromide on human thermoregulation during cold water immersion.

This study examined the effects of an oral 30-mg dose of pyridostigmine bromide (PYR) on thermoregulatory and physiological responses of men undergoing cold stress. Six men were immersed in cold water (20 degrees C) for up to 180 min on two occasions, once each 2 h after ingestion of PYR and 2 h after ingestion of a placebo. With PRY, erythrocyte cholinesterase inhibition was 33 +/- 12% (SD) 110 min postingestion (10 min preimmersion) and 30 +/- 7% at termination of exposure (mean 117 min). Percent cholinesterase inhibition was significantly related to lean body mass (r = -0.91, P less than 0.01). Abdominal discomfort caused termination in three of six PYR experiments but in none of the control experiments (mean exposure time 142 min). During immersion, metabolic rate, ventilatory volume, and respiratory rate increased significantly (P less than 0.05) over preimmersion levels and metabolic rate increased with duration of immersion (P less than 0.01) in both treatment but did not differ between conditions. PYR had no significant effect on rectal temperature, mean body temperature, thermal sensations, heart rate, plasma cortisol, or change in plasma volume. It was concluded that a 30-mg dose of PYR does not increase an individual's susceptibility to hypothermia during cold water immersion; however, in combination with cold stress, PYR may result in marked abdominal cramping and limit cold tolerance.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Fluid replacement during sustained activity in the heat: nutrient solution vs. water.

This study examined the thermoregulatory and hydrational status of men during sustained activity in a hot-dry (37 degrees C, 20% rh) environment while they consumed only a nutrient solution (nutrient), or consumed only colored, flavored water (control). Eleven heat acclimated young men attempted 24-h sustained activity experiments. These experiments consisted of alternating 45-min bouts of treadmill walking (410 W, approximately 30% VO2max) and rest (including sedentary activity). Data were analyzed through 13 h (after 13 h subjects began to discontinue testing). No significant differences between trials were observed for metabolic rate, fluid intake, skin or rectal temperature, sweating rate, plasma volume (as indicated by hemoglobin concentration) or plasma glucose concentrations. By the 8th h plasma osmolality was higher and by the 11th h plasma free fatty acids were lower during the nutrient trial compared to the control. In separate experiments with nine different men, the gastric emptying rates of the nutrient solution and water were compared during exercise (55% VO2max) in the heat (35 degrees C, 20% rh). The gastric emptying rates of the nutrient solution and water were similar (approximately 20 ml.min-1). These data indicate that during 13 h of sustained activity in a hot environment, the nutrient solution and water provided similar thermoregulatory and hydrational benefits.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Evaluation of three commercial microclimate cooling systems.

Three commercially available microclimate cooling systems were evaluated for their ability to reduce heat stress in men exercising in a hot environment while wearing high insulative, low permeability clothing. Five male volunteers performed three 180-min experiments (three repeats of 10 min rest, 50 min walking at 440 watts) in an environment of 38 degrees C dry bulb (Tdb), 12 degrees C dew point (Tdp). The cooling systems were: 1) ILC Dover Model 19 Coolvest (ILC), mean inlet temperature 5.0 degrees C; 2) LSSI Coolhead (LSSI), mean inlet temperature 14.5 degrees C; and 3) Thermacor Cooling Vest (THERM), mean inlet temperature 28.3 degrees C. Endurance time (ET), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (Tre), mean skin temperature (Tsk), sweating rate (SR), rated perceived exertion (RPE), and thermal sensation (TS) were measured. A computer model prediction of ET with no cooling was 101 min. ET was greater (p less than 0.01) with ILC (178 min) than THERM (131 min) which was greater (p less than 0.01) than LSSI (83 min). The subjects self terminated on all LSSI tests because of headaches. Statistical analyses were performed on data collected at 60 min to have values on all subjects. There were no differences in HR, Tre, SR, or TS values among the cooling vests. The subjects' Tsk was lower (p less than 0.05) for the LSSI than THERM; and RPE values were higher (p less than 0.05) for LSSI than the other two vests. These data suggest an improved physiological response to exercise heat stress with all three commercial systems with the greatest benefit in performance time provided by the ILC cooling system.

Air Conditioning↗

PubMed1989

Gastric emptying during exercise: effects of heat stress and hypohydration.

To determine the effects of acute heat stress, heat acclimation and hypohydration on the gastric emptying rate of water (W) during treadmill exercise, ten physically fit men ingested 400 ml of W before each of three 15 min bouts of exercise (treadmill, approximately 50% VO2max) on five separate occasions. Stomach contents were aspirated after each exercise bout. Before heat acclimation (ACC), experiments were performed in a neutral (18 degrees C), hot (49 degrees C) and warm (35 degrees C) environment. Subjects were euhydrated for all experiments before ACC. After ACC, the subjects completed two more experiments in the warm (35 degrees C) environment; one while euhydrated and a final one while hypohydrated (-5% of body weight). The volume of ingested water emptied into the intestines at the completion of each exercise bout was inversely correlated (P less than 0.01) with the rectal temperature (r = -0.76). The following new observations were made: 1) exercise in a hot (49 degrees C) environment impairs gastric emptying rate as compared with a neutral (18 degrees C) environment, 2) exercise in a warm (35 degrees C) environment does not significantly reduce gastric emptying before or after heat acclimation, but 3) exercise in a warm environment (35 degrees C) when hypohydrated reduces gastric emptying rate and stomach secretions. Reductions in gastric emptying appear to be related to the severity of the thermal strain induced by an exercise/heat stress.

Acclimatization↗

PubMed1989

Gastric emptying during walking and running: effects of varied exercise intensity.

Gastric emptying is increased during running (50%-70% maximal aerobic uptake, VO2max) as compared to rest. Whether this increase varies as a function of mode (i.e. walking vs running) and intensity of treadmill exercise is unknown. To examine the gastric emptying characteristics of water during treadmill exercise performed over a wide range of intensities relative to resting conditions, 10 men ingested 400 ml of water prior to each of six 15 min exercise bouts or 15 min of seated rest. Three bouts of walking exercise (1.57 m.s-1) were performed at increasing grades eliciting approximately 28%, 41% or 56% of VO2max. On a separate day, three bouts of running (2.68 ms-1) exercise were performed at grades eliciting approximately 57%, 65% or 75% of VO2max. Gastric emptying was increased during treadmill exercise at all intensities excluding 75% VO2max as compared to rest. Gastric emptying was similar for all intensities during walking and at 57% and 65% VO2max during running. However, running at 74% VO2max decreased the volume of original drink emptied as compared to all lower exercise intensities. Stomach secretions were markedly less during running as compared to walking and rest. These data demonstrate that gastric emptying is similarly increased during both moderate intensity (approximately 28%-65% VO2max) walking or running exercise as compared to resting conditions. However, gastric emptying decreases during high intensity exercise. Increases in gastric emptying during moderate intensity treadmill exercise may be related to increases in intragastric pressure brought about by contractile activity of the abdominal muscles.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Control of thermoregulatory sweating during exercise in the heat.

The purposes of this study were the following: 1) to determine whether erythrocyte infusion alters the control of thermoregulatory sweating and 2) to demonstrate how increases and decreases of both plasma tonicity and blood volume influence the thermoregulatory control parameters of threshold temperature and sweating sensitivity. Six non-heat-acclimated and five heat-acclimated males attempted heat stress tests (HSTs) both before and shortly after (48-96 h) autologous erythrocyte infusion. The non-heat-acclimated subjects were euhydrated for both HSTs, whereas the heat-acclimated subjects were studied in a euhydrated and a hypohydrated (-5% body wt) condition both pre- and postinfusion (500 ml of solution containing approximately 60% hematocrit of autologous erythrocytes). The HSTs consisted of treadmill exercise (335 W.m-2) in a hot (35 degrees C, 45% relative humidity) environment, and esophageal temperature and local sweating rate were continuously measured during 25 min of exercise. These experiments resulted in a matrix of conditions where both plasma tonicity and blood volume were increased or decreased relative to control conditions (euhydration, preinfusion). The findings concerning thermoregulatory sweating during exercise in the heat were summarized as follows: 1) acute polycythemia decreases the threshold temperature and increases the sweating sensitivity, 2) both threshold temperature and sweating sensitivity are increased or decreased from control levels dependent on the combined influence of plasma tonicity and blood volume, and 3) equations are presented that describe how plasma tonicity and blood volume alter threshold temperature and sweating sensitivity values.

Acclimatization↗

PubMed1989

Thermoregulation during cold water immersion is unimpaired by low muscle glycogen levels.

This investigation studied the importance of muscle glycogen levels for body temperature regulation during cold stress. Physiological responses of eight euglycemic males were measured while they rested in cold (18 degrees C, stirred) water on two separate occasions. The trials followed a 3-day program of diet and exercise manipulation designed to produce either high (HMG) or low (LMG) preimmersion glycogen levels in the muscles of the legs, arms, and upper torso. Preimmersion vastus lateralis muscle glycogen concentrations were lower during the LMG trial (144 +/- 14 mmol glucose/kg dry tissue) than the HMG trial (543 +/- 53 mmol glucose/kg dry tissue). There were no significant differences between the two trials in shivering as reflected by aerobic metabolic rate or in the amount of body cooling as reflected by changes in rectal temperature during the immersions. Postimmersion muscle glycogen levels remained unchanged from preimmersion levels in both trials. Small but significant increases in plasma glucose and lactate concentration occurred during both immersions. Plasma glycerol increased during immersion in the LMG trial but not in the HMG trial. Plasma free fatty acid concentration increased during both immersion trials, but the change was apparent sooner in the LMG immersion. It was concluded that thermoregulatory responses of moderately lean and fatter individuals exposed to cold stress were not impaired by a substantial reduction in the muscle glycogen levels of several major skeletal muscle groups. Furthermore, the data suggest that, depending on the intensity of shivering, other metabolic substrates are available to enable muscle glycogen to be spared.

Adult↗