Thermoregulatory responses to repeated warm water immersion in subjects who are paraplegic.
OBJECTIVE
To compare thermoregulatory responses to repeated warm water immersion (39 degrees C) between physically active subjects who are paraplegic or able-bodied in order to gain insight into rehabilitative and adaptive processes.


METHODS
Five paraplegic (P) and six able-bodied (AB) males participated. VO2 peak was determined by open-circuit spirometry using a cycle ergometer (AB) and propelling a wheelchair on a motor driven treadmill (P). Subjects sat immersed to the nipple line in 39 degrees C water for 60 min for 5 consecutive days. Pre- and post-test measurements included heart rate (HR), oesophageal temperature (Tes), sweat onset and rate (dew point hygrometry). Venous blood was obtained before, and during immersion to estimate changes in plasma volume.


RESULTS
The P group was older and lighter than AB group (P<0.05). VO2max, VCO2max and VE(max) were significantly greater in AB group. HR at rest and after 60 min immersion was not significantly different between the groups pre- or post-test. Tes significantly increased after 60 min immersion in both groups, at both pre- and post-testing sessions. Post-test Tes after 60 min immersion (AB) was significantly less than Tes after 60 min of immersion pre-test. The DeltaTes (Tes 60 min-Tes 0 min) was significantly higher in AB group than the P group at pre- but not post-testing. No significant changes in sweat onset or rate were found for the AB or P groups during the pre- or post testing sessions. Significant expansion of plasma volume occurred during immersion in both groups, pre- and post-immersion sessions.


CONCLUSIONS
Repeated warm water immersion (39 degrees C) for 60 min per day for a total of 5 days did not produce a significant adaptive response in P group. In the AB group, Tes at the end of 60 min immersion was significantly lower after the adaptation period.
Gass
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School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
Gass
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D000328:Adult; D001810:Blood Volume; D001831:Body Temperature; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D006875:Hydrotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013546:Sweating
D006454:Hemoglobins