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Open Access 01-01-2018 | Original Article

Heart rate variability and plasma nephrines in the evaluation of heat acclimatisation status

Authors: Major Michael John Stacey, S. K. Delves, D. R. Woods, S. E. Britland, L. Macconnachie, A. J. Allsopp, S. J. Brett, J. L. Fallowfield, C. J. Boos

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Heat adaptation (HA) is critical to performance and health in a hot environment. Transition from short-term heat acclimatisation (STHA) to long-term heat acclimatisation (LTHA) is characterised by decreased autonomic disturbance and increased protection from thermal injury. A standard heat tolerance test (HTT) is recommended for validating exercise performance status, but any role in distinguishing STHA from LTHA is unreported. The aims of this study were to (1) define performance status by serial HTT during structured natural HA, (2) evaluate surrogate markers of autonomic activation, including heart rate variability (HRV), in relation to HA status.

Methods

Participants (n = 13) were assessed by HTT (60-min block-stepping, 50% VO₂peak) during STHA (Day 2, 6 and 9) and LTHA (Day 23). Core temperature (Tc) and heart rate (HR) were measured every 5 min. Sampling for HRV indices (RMSSD, LF:HF) and sympathoadrenal blood measures (cortisol, nephrines) was undertaken before and after (POST) each HTT.

Results

Significant (P < 0.05) interactions existed for Tc, logLF:HF, cortisol and nephrines (two-way ANOVA; HTT by Day). Relative to LTHA, POST results differed significantly for Tc (Day 2, 6 and 9), HR (Day 2), logRMSSD (Day 2 and Day 6), logLF:HF (Day 2 and Day 6), cortisol (Day 2) and nephrines (Day 2 and Day 9). POST differences in HRV (Day 6 vs. 23) were + 9.9% (logRMSSD) and − 18.6% (logLF:HF).

Conclusions

Early reductions in HR and cortisol characterised STHA, whereas LTHA showed diminished excitability by Tc, HRV and nephrine measures. Measurement of HRV may have potential to aid real-time assessment of readiness for activity in the heat.

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Title: Heart rate variability and plasma nephrines in the evaluation of heat acclimatisation status
Authors: Major Michael John Stacey
S. K. Delves
D. R. Woods
S. E. Britland
L. Macconnachie
A. J. Allsopp
S. J. Brett
J. L. Fallowfield
C. J. Boos
Publication date: 01-01-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3758-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Heart rate variability and plasma nephrines in the evaluation of heat acclimatisation status

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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