Energy Metabolism in Cold-Stressed Females: Implications for Predictive Modeling (95 Women)
Abstract
Military operations in cold environments have resulted in life-threatening situations if personnel are ill-equipped or unprotected. Prediction of survival time in the cold (ST) is essential for search and rescue purposes, to forecast contingencies for operations in such environments, and to evaluate the potential benefits of innovative equipment/clothing designed to protect the soldier from cold. Mathematical models of ST are based on the magnitude and capacity for increasing metabolic heat production (M) by shivering, and the rate of heat loss from the body. Previous research on males showed that relationships among ST, M, and heat loss are affected by body composition, the muscle mass recruited, and the type and quantity of substrate oxidized during shivering. Gender-related physiological differences in responses to cold have not been considered in ST predictive models. The current research characterized M in females during cold stress by quantifying the relative muscle mass recruited during shivering, determining the quantity and quality of energy substrate utilization during shivering, and relating the findings to body temperature regulation. No gender differences were found for M and deep body cooling rates if variables such as stature and body adiposity were controlled. Current prediction models of ST can be considered gender-invariant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA388030
Entities
People
- Ira Jacobs
Organizations
- Defence Research and Development Canada