Authors: Kenny, Glen¹; Jay, Ollie²

Source: European Journal of Applied Physiology, Volume 101, Number 4, November 2007 , pp. 487-493(7)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

We evaluated the hypothesis that females would show a greater postexercise hypotension and concurrently a greater increase in the onset threshold for sweating. Fourteen subjects (7 males and 7 females) of similar age, body composition, and fitness status participated in the study. Esophageal temperature was monitored as an index of core temperature while sweat rate was measured by using a ventilated capsule placed on the upper back. Subjects cycled at either 60% (moderate) or 80% (intense) of peak oxygen consumption <EquationSource Format="TEX">$$ {left( {ifmmodeexpandafterdotelseexpandafter.fi{V}{text{O}}_{{2{text{peak}}}} } right)} $$</EquationSource> followed by 20-min recovery. Subjects then donned a liquid-conditioned suit used to regulate mean skin temperature. The skin was then heated (∼4.3°C·h⁻¹) until sweating occurred. Esophageal temperatures were similar to baseline before the start of whole body warming for all conditions. The postexercise threshold values for sweating following moderate and intense exercise were an esophageal temperature increase of 0.10 ± 0.02 and 0.22 ± 0.04°C, respectively for males, and 0.15 ± 0.03 and 0.34 ± 0.01°C, respectively for females. All were elevated above baseline resting (P < 0.05) and a significant sex-related difference was observed for sweating threshold values following intense exercise (P < 0.05). This was paralleled by a greater decrease in mean arterial pressure in females at the end of the 20-min recovery (P < 0.05). In conclusion, females demonstrate a greater postexercise onset threshold for sweating, which is paralleled by a greater postexercise hypotensive response following intense exercise.

Keywords: Core temperature; Heat loss; Postexercise; Thermoregulation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00421-007-0525-5

Affiliations: 1: Laboratory of Human Bioenergetics and Environmental Physiology, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 125 University, Montpetit Hall, Room 367, PO Box 450 Station A, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6N5, Email: gkenny 2: Laboratory of Human Bioenergetics and Environmental Physiology, School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 125 University, Montpetit Hall, Room 367, PO Box 450 Station A, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6N5

Publication date: 2007-11-01

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