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Thermoregulatory Considerations for the Performance of Exercise in SCI

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The Physiology of Exercise in Spinal Cord Injury

Part of the book series: Physiology in Health and Disease ((PIHD))

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in thermoregulatory impairment related to the disruption in autonomic function. As a result, body core temperature generally increases at a greater rate during exercise in individuals with SCI compared to their able-bodied counterparts, placing them at elevated risk for heat-related illnesses. These effects are exacerbated during exercise in the heat. Conversely, body core temperature may decrease at a greater rate during exercise in cold environments. In this chapter, we first briefly describe the anatomy and physiology of normal (non-disrupted) thermoregulation. Next, we present evidence demonstrating that SCI results in impaired thermoregulation both at rest and during exercise. We then discuss the mechanisms behind why these impairments occur, particularly in terms of how disruptions in the sympathetic nervous system affect the various arms of the thermoregulatory negative feedback loop. Next, we discuss how the types of exercise available to individuals with SCI may present additional challenges to thermoregulation, and finally, we present strategies currently in use or under investigation for combatting these thermoregulatory challenges.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA

    Christopher T. Minson & Vienna E. Brunt

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  1. Christopher T. Minson
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  2. Vienna E. Brunt
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Correspondence to Christopher T. Minson .

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  1. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Hospital Cambridge, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

    J. Andrew Taylor

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Minson, C.T., Brunt, V.E. (2016). Thermoregulatory Considerations for the Performance of Exercise in SCI. In: Taylor, J. (eds) The Physiology of Exercise in Spinal Cord Injury. Physiology in Health and Disease. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6664-6_7

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