Sex differences in thermophysiological responses of elderly to low-intensity exercise during uncompensable heat strain.
Eur J Appl Physiol
; 124(8): 2451-2459, 2024 Aug.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38551682
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
The rising frequency of extreme heat events poses an escalating threat of heat-related illnesses and fatalities, placing an additional strain on global healthcare systems. Whether the risk of heat-related issues is sex specific, particularly among the elderly, remains uncertain.METHODS:
16 men and 15 women of similar age (69 ± 5 years) were exposed to an air temperature of 39.1 ± 0.3 °C and a relative humidity (RH) of 25.1 ± 1.9%, during 20 min of seated rest and at least 40 min of low-intensity (10 W) cycling exercise. RH was gradually increased by 2% every 5 min starting at minute 30. We measured sweat rate, heart rate, thermal sensation, and the rise in gastrointestinal temperature (Tgi) and skin temperature (Tsk).RESULTS:
Tgi consistently increased from minute 30 to 60, with no significant difference between females and males (0.012 ± 0.004 °C/min vs. 0.011 ± 0.005 °C/min; p = 0.64). Similarly, Tsk increase did not differ between females and males (0.044 ± 0.007 °C/min vs. 0.038 ± 0.011 °C/min; p = 0.07). Females exhibited lower sweat rates than males (0.29 ± 0.06 vs. 0.45 ± 0.14 mg/m2/min; p < 0.001) in particular at relative humidities exceeding 30%. No sex differences in heart rate and thermal sensation were observed.CONCLUSION:
Elderly females exhibit significantly lower sweat rates than their male counterparts during low-intensity exercise at ambient temperatures of 39 °C when humidity exceeds 30%. However, both elderly males and females demonstrate a comparable rise in core temperature, skin temperature, and mean body temperature, indicating similar health-related risks associated with heat exposure.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Sudorese
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Exercício Físico
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Temperatura Alta
Limite:
Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur J Appl Physiol
Assunto da revista:
FISIOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Holanda