Independent Influence of Spinal Cord Injury Level on Thermoregulation during Exercise

This study aimed to establish the true influence of spinal cord injury (SCI) level on core temperature and sweating during exercise in the heat independently of biophysical factors. Methods A total of 31 trained males (8 with tetraplegia [TP; C5–C8], 7 with high paraplegia [HP; T1–T5], 8 with low paraplegia [LP; T6–L1], and 8 able bodied [AB]) performed 3 × 10 min of arm ergometry with 3-min rest at a metabolic heat production of (a) 4.0 W·kg−1 (AB vs TP) or (b) 6.0 W·kg−1 (AB vs HP vs LP), in 35°C, 50% relative humidity. Esophageal (Tes) and local skin temperatures and local sweat rate (LSR) on the forehead and upper back were measured throughout. Results Change in Tes was greatest in TP (1.86°C ± 0.32°C vs 0.29°C ± 0.07°C, P
Source: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: APPLIED SCIENCES Source Type: research