Influence of skin temperature on sweating and aerobic performance during severe work

Abstract

Two male subjects were measured over a range of work intensities at dry-bulb temperature (Tdb) = 21 degrees C (relative humidity, rh less than 50%) and at approximately 65 and 85% VO2max for 1 h at Tdb at 5,10,15,21, and 25 degrees C with high convective airflow (2.5–5 m/s). The results showed that mean skin temperature (Tsk) was related to Tdb and unaffected by rh over the range studied. Tsk was dependent on the relative work load and was 2.5 degrees C lower at 85% than 65% VO2max in the cooler environments. During submaximal work the relative sweat rate (Msw expressed as %Mse, max) was a linear function of rectal temperature (Tre) and Tsk for each subject and thus %Msw, max could be predicted from these two variables with a standard deviation of +/- 12%. For a given Tsk, Tre appeared to rise to meet the requirement of heat loss by stimulating set %Msw response. However, during severe work (85% VO2max) this mechanism appeared to become saturated, Tre (except for a very narrow prescriptive range) was dependent on Tdb. These results suggest that under moderate environmental conditions the maximal aerobic and evaporative (cooling) power outputs of an individual are closely matched and only during extremely hard work does thermoregulation become passive and effectively physical (rather than physiological) in nature.