Potkanowicz, E. S., Caine, N., Otterstetter, R., & Glickman, E. L. (2002). Thermoregulatory responses of old vs. young males at 12, 18, and 27 degrees Celsius for 120 minutes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 801.

The influence of age on thermal and neutral metabolic responses in healthy old (~67.7 yr) and young (~26.7 yr) men was assessed. Following a 30-min baseline period in a thermoneutral environment, Ss were moved into an environmental chamber and remained seated and still for 120 minutes or until core temperature reached 35 degrees Celsius or lower. A separate trial for temperatures of 12, 18, and 27 degrees Celsius was conducted.

Core temperature, VO2, and insulation were higher in the young group. Skin temperature was higher in the old group.

Implication. The response of older males is more extreme than young males when exposed to cold.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.