Ella F. Walker

Biophysical characteristics and thermophysiological responses at the inflection point in deep body temperature for individuals with high or low aerobic fitness

Endurance training increases aerobic fitness, improves thermoregulatory function [1] and exercise tolerance in the heat [2]. However, studies comparing individuals of high and low aerobic fitness during exercise in the heat are often confounded by differences in body weight and body composition [3]. It is also disputed if using the relative work rate to standardise exercise intensity is appropriate [4,5] as individuals with higher aerobic fitness will be working at a higher absolute work rate with increased heat production. This study examined the influence of aerobic fitness on biophysical characteristics and thermophysiological responses when moving from compensable to uncompensable conditions, at matched relative and absolute work rates, under conditions of high and low humidity.