Study of Methods of Assessment of Peripheral Responses to Heat and Cold as Influenced by Environment

摘要

Methods for assessing physiological responses to cold and the general fitness of the individual were investigated. A specific test of cold induced vasodilation and a specific 2 hour test were developed. The equipment developed for field work is discussed. Investigation of the influence of the level of body heat content and heat production on the response of peripheral circulation and the consequent heat loss was also conducted. A bath calorimeter was used and the studies outlined relate heat production, heat loss and heat debt to the skin temperature in the hand and arm when it is extended from the bath. Under the conditions of the experiment, there was a minimal zone for heat production from bath temperatures of 33C to 36C. For the subjects used the criteria of internal body temperature change and minimal heat input the zone of neutrality was narrowed to the 35C bath temperature as the subject lost or gained heat to or from the bath. Peripheral temperatures