Interactions between exercise, thermal stress and the immune system

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Heat stress is often associated with exercise, sport and physical activity undertaken in the topics. Uncompensable heat stress can affect thermoregulatory control, exercise performance, health and well-being. Evidence from clinic and field observations, and experimental studies, points to a dual-pathway model of heat stress involving both classical thermoregulatory and inflammatory pathways that regulate heat stress and heat stroke. It appears that thermoregulation involves a complex and dynamic interplay between heat cytotoxicity, coagulation and a systemic inflammatory response subsequent to damage to the gut and other organs. The effects of heat on the immune system are generally modest and athletes can train and compete in warm to hot conditions when adequately prepared and preventative strategies are employed. The practical intervention strategies center on heat acclimation or acclimatization programs prior to training and competing in hot conditions, and employing a range of cooling methods suitable for the particular sport or physical/occupational activity undertaken.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationScience of Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity in the Tropics
EditorsAndrew Edwards, Anthony Leicht
Place of PublicationNew York, US
PublisherNova Science Publishers
Chapter2
Pages11-18
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781631177392
ISBN (Print)9781631177378
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

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