Effect of Food, Climate and Exercise on Rectal Temperature During the Day

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Abstract
A series of experiments were performed to determine the effect of climate, food intake and activity level on the diurnal pattern of rectal temperature (Tr) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The results indicate that living in diverse climates has little or no effect on the diurnal pattern of Tr. Activity level, when food intake was adequate, did not alter the pattern. Fasting, with no exercise, reduced the diurnal elevation to one-half the ‘normal’ elevation. During fasting with exercise the rectal temperature at 8 p.m. was the same as the value at 8 a.m. (i.e. no diurnal increase was evident). Thus, the major portion of the diurnal change occurring between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. was associated with the ingestion of food. Submitted on June 19, 1957