Acclimatization to humid heat and the role of physical conditioning.

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Abstract
Five mine laborers with underground experience were acclimatized to work for 5 hr daily at a set rate under temperature conditions of 93 F WB and 97 FDB and wind velocity of 150 ft/min. Rectal temperatures and pulse rates decreased within the first 4-5 days, but sweat rates reached a maximum value only on the 10th day. As both the maximum work capacity and the oxygen intakes of the subjects during work changed during the acclimatization period, it was difficult to determine the relevant influences of physical training and acclimatization. Five raw recruits were, therefore, first subjected to the same conditions of heat stress, thereafter trained under cool conditions to the task for 3 weeks, and again studied in the climatic room. Training resulted in only partial acclimatization and brought the raw recruits to the same state of tolerance as that of the experienced miners on their first exposure in the climatic room. It can be concluded that although training may improve performance under conditions of heat it certainly cannot replace acclimatization.

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