Abstract

Introduction

Materials & Methods

Results

Discussion & Conclusion

References

Discussion
Board

This study intended to determine whether acclimation to the heat among 9- to 12-year-old boys would induced changes in total and local sweating rate (SR), population density (PD) of heat-activated sweat gland, sweat drop area (DA) and % skin covered by sweat (%A). Twelve boys performed 180-min intermittent exercise (50% VO2 max) at 35±1oC, 50-60% RH, before and after a two-week heat acclimation (six 70-min sessions). Forearm and the lower back PD, DA and %A were assessed at rest, 15 min before the end of the session, using time-lapse photographic method with computer-assisted digitization. Local SR was estimated based on %A changes. Acclimation caused insignificant changes in PD (-5.1%), DA (-10.7%), %A (-1.3%) at the back and PD (+12.9%), DA (-7.2%), %A (+4.7%) at the forearm. Forearm and back estimated SR insignificantly decreased over acclimation period from 621 to 489 g.m2.h-1 (21.2%) and from 370 to 311 g.m2.h-1 (15.9%) respectively. Average total SR for the session was similar before (201 g.m2.h-1) and after (199 g.m2.h-1) acclimation. However, SR calculated for exercise periods was significantly higher (244 vs 280 g.m2.h-1, p < 0.05) and for rest periods significantly lower (166 vs 134 g.m2.h-1, p < 0.05) after acclimation. In conclusion, the above acclimation program induced only minor changes in sweating pattern of prepubescent boys. Supported in part by Gatorade Sports Science Institute

Back to the top.
Poster Number PAwilk0618
Keywords: children, acclimation, sweating, exercise, rest