LECTURE 2: Temperature Regulation

PHYSIOLOGY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES Adapted from Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance, 5th edition Scott K. Powers & Edward T. Howley
Presentation revised and updated by
Dr MOHD SANI MADON (PhD) Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris 2007-2008
(c) 2004 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Objectives
Define term homeotherm Present an overview of heat balance during exercise Discuss the concept of core temperature List the principle means of involuntarily increasing heat production Define four processes by which the body can lose heat during exercise Discuss the role of hypothalamus as the bodys thermostat

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Objectives
Explain the thermal events that occur during exercise in both a cool/moderate & hot/humid environment List physiological adaptations that occur during acclimatization to heat Describe physiological responses to a cold environment Discuss physiological changes that occur in response to cold acclimatization

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An Overview of Heat Balance

In order to maintain a constant core temperature, heat loss must match heat gain Thermal gradient from body core to skin surface
Fig 12.1
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Temperature Measurement During Exercise

Deep-body (core) temperature Thermocouples or thermistors Rectum, ear, and esophagus Skin temperature Thermistors at various locations Calculate mean skin temperature

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Heat Production

Voluntary Exercise Involuntary Shivering Action of hormones Thyroxine Catecholamines Fig 12.2
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Heat Loss
Radiation Transfer of heat via infrared rays No physical contact between surfaces 60% heat loss at rest Conduction Heat loss due to contact with another surface

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Heat Loss
Convection
Form of conductive heat loss Heat transferred to air or water

Evaporation
Heat transferred via water (sweat) on skin surface Evaporation rate depends on: Temperature and relative humidity Convective currents around the body Amount of skin surface exposed 25% heat loss at rest Most important means during exercise
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Heat Exchange During Exercise

Fig 12.3
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The Hypothalamus The Bodys Thermostat

Increased core temperature Anterior hypothalamus Commencement of sweating Increased skin blood flow Cold exposure Posterior hypothalamus Increase heat production Shivering Decrease heat loss Decreased skin blood flow

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Responses to Heat Stress

Fig 12.4
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Responses to Cold Stress

Fig 12.5
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Heat Exchange During Exercise

Metabolic energy (heat) production stimulates heat loss
Evaporative heat loss

Most important means of heat loss

Convective heat loss

Small contribution
Radiative heat loss

Small role in total heat loss

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Heat Exchange During Exercise

Fig 12.6
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Body Temperature Increase During Exercise

Increase in body temperature with work rate
Linear across wide range of temperatures Linear for both arm and leg exercise
Temperature proportional to active muscle mass

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Body Temperature During Arm and Leg Exercise

Fig 12.7
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Heat Exchange During Exercise Effect of Ambient Temperature

As ambient temperature increases:
Heat production remains constant Lower convective and radiant heat loss Higher evaporative heat loss

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Heat Exchange During Exercise Effect of Ambient Temperature

Fig 12.8
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Heat Exchange During Exercise Effect of Exercise Intensity

With increased exercise intensity
Heat production increases Higher net heat loss
Lower convective and radiant heat loss Higher evaporative heat loss

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Heat Exchange During Exercise Effect of Exercise Intensity

Fig 12.9
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Exercise in Hot/Humid Environments

Inability to lose heat
Higher core temperature Higher sweat rate

Can result in:

Impaired performance Hyperthermia

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Core Temperature and Sweat Rate During Exercise in Heat/Humidity

Fig 12.10

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Heat Acclimatization
Increased plasma volume Earlier onset of sweating Higher sweat rate Reduced sodium chloride loss in sweat Reduced skin blood flow

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Exercise in a Cold Environment

Enhanced heat loss Reduces chance of heat injury May result in hypothermia Cold acclimatization Improved ability to sleep in the cold Increased non-shivering thermogenesis Higher intermittent blood flow to hands and feet Results in ability to maintain core temperature
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