Chronic Exercise With Overdressing

Efficacy of a Novel Exercise + Overdressing Protocol to Induce Heat Acclimation in Temperate Environments (Chronic XO-Study)

The purpose of this study is to determine if five training sessions of exercise with overdressing can induce heat acclimation.

Twelve healthy and fit adults will complete 90 min of exercise (6.0 mph run for 30 min followed by 3.5 mph walk for 60 min) on five occasions at room temperature (~20 °C, 50% RH, 1 mph air velocity). Participants will be randomized into either the exercise with overdressing or exercise wearing standard physical training (PT) clothing group and complete the study in a crossover manner. Heat acclimation induction will be assessed using standardized heat stress tests (HSTs) performed before and after five training sessions. After the final HST has occurred, participants will complete a minimum 4-week washout and then return to repeat the identical protocol in the opposite configuration (overdressing vs. PT clothing). The investigators hypothesize that, compared to 5 days of exercise in PT clothing, 5 days of exercise with overdressing will lower end-exercise core temperature during standardized HSTs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Females must be premenopausal.
• Body mass index 18.5-33.0 kg m-2.
• In good health as determined by the Office of Medical Support & Oversight (OMSO) General Medical Clearance.
• Performs aerobic exercise at least 2 times per week and capable of running 2 miles in under 17:00 (8:30 minute mile pace).
• Willing to abstain from exercise and alcoholic beverages for 24 hrs before each study visit.
• Willing to abstain from caffeine for 12 hrs prior to all study visits.
• Willing to abstain from food for 2 hrs prior to all study visits.
• Willing to abstain from nicotine/tobacco for at least 8 hrs prior to all study visits.
• Have supervisor approval if permanent party military or a federal employee at U.S. Army Natick Soldier System Center.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Frequent hot bath or sauna users (e.g., more than three times a week for the past month).
• Females who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study.
• Taking dietary supplements, prescriptions, or over the counter medication, other than a contraceptive (unless approved by OMSO & PI).
• Abnormal blood count during OMSO medical screening (For example: hemoglobin (Hb) outside of the typical normal values reported by LabCorp in accordance with OMSO (Normal [Hb] Males = 12.6-17.7 g/dL; Females = 11.1-15.9 g/dL) or hematocrit (Hct) outside of the normal ranges (Normal Hct Males = 37.5-51.0%; Females = 34.0-46.6%) levels, presence of abnormal blood chemicals (hemoglobin S or sickle cell traits).
• Any history of pulmonary, cardiovascular, or renal disease (unless approved by OMSO & PI).
• Uncontrolled asthma.
• Current or recent respiratory tract or sinus infections (< 2 weeks prior).
• History of heat stroke or orthostatic intolerance.
• Diagnosed and/or treated for fluid/electrolyte imbalance within the last 30 days.
• History of obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal tract including (but not limited to) diverticulosis, diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis.
• Scheduled MRI during testing.
• Allergies to adhesives (e.g., medical tape).