Adaptation to exercise for maximal aerobic capacity, submaximal aerobic efficiency, and cardiovascular adjustments : does the addition of heat stress induce greater improvements than exercise alone? : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Loading...
Date
2015
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The Author
Abstract
Background: Exercising in a hot environment often feels harder, and puts a greater amount of strain
on the body than exercise in cooler temperatures. The extra strain caused by the heat has been
utilised and explained extensively in the previous literature, by which training in the heat, and the
concurrent physiological adaptations that arise (heat acclimation), has been shown to improve
exercise performance in hot environments. It appears that the effect that heat acclimation can have
on exercise performance in temperate environments, as opposed to hot, has been relatively
overlooked in the literature. The physiological adaptations associated with the extra strain whilst
exercising in the heat may not only induce performance benefits in temperate environments, but
may also lead to positive resting cardiovascular adjustments.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine what effect exercising with additional heat stress
(35°C) has on maximal and submaximal aerobic capacity/performance in a moderate environment
(18°C). The physiological adaptations obtained with exercise and additional heat stress was
investigated, along with the impact they have on resting cardiovascular measures.
Methodology: In a randomised, matched control group study, eighteen moderately active males
participated in a maximal and submaximal aerobic test, followed by an 11-day training protocol (five
consecutive days, one day rest, six consecutive days) consisting of 60 minutes of incline walking each
day on a treadmill at 50% of their 2max in either a hot (35°C, 45% RH) or moderate (18°C, 53%
RH) environment. Within four ± one day of completing the training protocol, the maximal and
submaximal aerobic tests were repeated. Maximal aerobic capacity was measured in the maximal
test; with submaximal 2, heart rate and lactate measured to indicate changes during exercise.
Core temperature, heart rate, plasma volume, forearm blood flow, whole body sweat rate, local
sweat rate, and perceptual measures were taken throughout the 60 minutes of walking over the 11-
day training period, in combination with resting heart rate and blood pressure measures to
determine cardiovascular adjustments.
Results: Exercise, with or without heat stress improved maximal aerobic capacity by 7.0 ± 0.9 mL·kg-
1·min-1 (p < 0.001), although, additional heat stress did not improve maximal aerobic capacity above
exercise alone. The exercise protocol, irrespective of whether in a hot or moderate environment,
lowered submaximal heart rate (p = 0.008) and relative 2 (p < 0.001), but had no effect on
submaximal blood lactate. The 11-day training protocol lowered resting heart rate (p < 0.001),
reduced core temperature (p = 0.039), increased forearm blood flow (p = 0.046), and lowered
perceived exertion (p < 0.001) for both groups. Additionally, the heat group had increased whole
body sweat rate (p = 0.01), and improved thermal comfort (p = 0.024). The exercise, regardless of
environment, appeared to induce resting cardiovascular adjustments, although statistical
significance was not reached.
Conclusions: Eleven days of exercise at 50% of 2max, regardless of environment, can improve
maximal and submaximal performance in a moderate environment and induce positive
cardiovascular adjustments. Eleven days of exercise in 35°C can induce heat acclimation, illustrated
through an increase in whole body sweat rate, and a reduction in exercising heart rate, core
temperature and perceived exertion.
Description
Keywords
Exercise, Heat and exercise, Heat stress, Aerobic capacity