Acclimatization of healthy young adult males to a hot-wet environment.

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Abstract
Thirty-eight young adult males were exercised daily for 2 weeks during the winter and early spring months on a motor-driven treadmill at 3.5 mph located in a heat chamber maintained at 98 F dry bulb and 90 F wet bulb. Twelve subjects walked for 50 min followed by 10 min rest in the heat; 13 subjects walked 50 min, rested 10 min, walked 30 more min. and rested a final 10 min; 13 subjects walked 50 min, rested 10 min, walked 50 more min, and rested a final 10 min. A modified Balke performance test was administered before heat exposure and at the end of each week. Physiological parameters including rectal temperatures, heart rates, sweat loss and sweat electrolytes were used as measures of acclimatization. It was found that the daily exposure to heat for 2 hr and 1 2/3 hr produced acclimatization. Daily exposure to heat for 1 hr resulted in significant alterations in sweat rate and sweat electrolytes but not in heart rate or body temperature. Several differences between physiologic adjustment to a hot-wet as contrasted with hot dry climates were observed and are discussed.

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