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

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Abstract
Male subjects [2] were measured over a range of work intensities at dry-bulb temperature (Tdb) = 21.degree. C (relative humidity, rh < 50%) and at approximately 65 and 85% .ovrhdot.VO2 max [maximum O2 consumption] for 1 h at Tdb at 5, 10, 15, 21 and 25.degree. C with high convective airflow (2.5-5 m/s). Mean skin temperature (.hivin.Tsk) was related to Tdb and unaffected by rh. .hivin.Tsk was dependent on the relative work load and was 2.5.degree. C lower at 85% than 65% .ovrhdot.VO2 max in the cooler environments. During submaximal work the relative sweat rate (.ovrhdot.Msw expressed as %.ovrhdot.Msw, max) was a linear function of rectal temperature (Tre) and .hivin.Tsk for each subject and thus %.ovrhdot.Msw, max could be predicted from these 2 variables with a SD of .+-. 12%. For a given .hivin.Tsk, Tre appeared to rise to meet the requirement of heat loss by stimulating set %.ovrhdot.Msw response. During severe work (85% .ovrhdot.VO2 max) this mechanism appeared to become saturated, and Tre (except for a very narrow prescriptive range) was dependent on Tdb. Under moderate environmental conditions, the maximal aerobic and evaporative (cooling) power outputs of an individual apparently are closely matched and only during extremely hard work does thermoregulation become passive and effectively physical (rather than physiological) in nature.

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