Summary
Measurements were made in man of heart rate (Fc), arterial blood pressure (Pa), cutaneous blood flow (\(\dot Q\)) (by plethysmography of the hand) as well as variation sin venous volume (ΔV) in the course of muscular exercise of 70 Watts intensity corresponding from 48% to 60% of the maximal oxygen consumtion of the subjects. These exercises were carried out at ambient temperatures of 22° and 29° C. for 8 min.
In every case, an initial lowering of the\(\dot Q\) and ΔV followed by a progressive climb was found. The average maximal reduction in output was virtually identical at 22° and 29° C (4.10±2.05 and 4.00±2.31 ml/min. 100 cm3). But the average maximal fall in volume turned out to be less at 29° C (0.30±0.40 ml/100 cm3) than at 22° C (0.60±0.60 ml/100 cm3).
The resistive sector of cutaneous circulation conserves the same vasomotor capacities at the two ambient temperatures studied: the cutaneous capacitive sector shows lower reactivity at the higher ambient temperature. This would suggest that diminished venous return may be partially responsible for poor tolerance to exercise in warm climates.
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Levy, B., Ghaem, A., Verpillat, J.M. et al. Antagonistic effects upon cutaneous circulation of muscular exercise and exposure to a high ambient temperature. Pflugers Arch. 359, 137–146 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00581283
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00581283