Human Vascular Fluid Responses to Cold Stress Are Not Altered by Cold Acclimation,
Abstract
Repeated cold water immersion can induce the development of an insulative type of cold acclimation in man. This investigation determined if repeated cold water immersion produced changes in vascular fluid response to cold stress in addition to the previously reported changes in thermoregulation. Seven male subjects performed a standardized cold air and cold water exposure before and again after a cold acclimation program. The cold acclimation program consisted of daily immersion (90 min) in cold water (18 C, stirred) repeated five times per week for five consecutive weeks. Cold acclimation did not alter the responses of plasma volume or electrolyte concentrations, nor urinary flow or electrolyte excretion during either cold air or cold water exposure. The percent reduction in plasma volume was larger (P<0.01) in cold water (-17%) than in cold air (-12%). Cold water immersion resulted in greater (P<0.01) diuresis than cold air exposure. Plasma K(+) concentration increased (P<0.01) during cold (both air and water) exposure while plasma Na(+) concentration was unchanged. Calculated renal clearance and urinary excretion rate of both Na(+) and K(+) increased during cold (both air and water) exposure. It is concluded that: 1) insulative cold acclimation does not influence vascular fluid responses to cold stress; and 2) although vascular fluid shifts, body cooling and diuresis are all greater in cold water than air, a consistent relationship among these parameters could not be established for an individual's response. Keywords: Hypothermia and Body cooling.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA165869
Entities
People
- Andrew J Young
- Kent B. Pandolf
- Michael N. Sawka
- Stephen R. Muza
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine