title: Effects of lifestyle, body composition, and physical fitness on cold tolerance in humans.
abstract: In the present study, we attempted to clarify the effects of lifestyle and body compositions on basal metabolism and to clarify the effects of physical training on thermoregulatory responses to cold. Basal metabolism, body compositions, and questionnaires regarding lifestyle were evaluated in 37 students. From multiple linear regression analysis, sex, muscle weight, fat intake, and diurnal temperature were selected as significant explanatory variables. In a second experiment, rectal and the skin temperature at 7 different points as well as the oxygen uptake of eight males were measured at 10 degrees C for 90 min before and after training. The decline in rectal temperature that was observed before training was not observed after training. In addition, rectal temperature was significantly higher at post-training than at pre-training. These results suggest that some lifestyle factors affect cold tolerance; in particular, daily activity might improve our ability to control heat radiation and basal heat production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan. maeda@fmu.ac.jp
authors.forename: Takafumi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Maeda
authors.forename: Akiko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sugawara
authors.forename: Tetsuhito
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fukushima
authors.forename: Shigekazu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Higuchi
authors.forename: Keita
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ishibashi
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D001823:Body Composition; D001831:Body Temperature; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D003080:Cold Temperature; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires