Author and graduation date: Krista AUSTIN, April, 2001

Committee members: Michael Buono (Chair), Patricia Patterson, Jill Bennett

Thesis title: Thermoregulation in Burn Patients During Exercise Before and After Heat Acclimation

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of patients with 60% or greater total body surface area burn to thermoregulate their core temperature during exercise, and to analyze the effects of heat acclimatization training on these individuals. Eight case studies examined the acute response to exercise in the heat. Subjects were split into three groups: Group A, Group B, and Group C. Group A consisted of three subjects who had 30-40% total body surface area burn. Group B consisted of three subjects who had 60% or greater total body surface area burn. Group C consisted of two unburned control subjects who volunteered to participate in the study. Two of the burned subjects (#2 and #3 of Group A) and the control subjects were recruited to be participants in a nine-day heat acclimation protocol. Subjects exercised for one hour on a Lode cycle ergometer at 75 W(watts) in environmental conditions of 35 degrees Celsius and 60% RH (relative humidity). Subjects were monitored for rectal and skin temperatures, skin blood flow, whole body sweat rate, active sweat gland density (per cm²), blood pressure and heart rate throughout the testing procedures. Data examining the acute response to exercise in hot, humid conditions indicated that a major factor in determining a burn patient's ability to maintain thermoequilibrium is cardiovascular fitness level. This suggests it may be possible for burn patients to adapt to their decreased total body surface area for dissipation of heat through sweating. Heat acclimation data demonstrated that subjects with 35% or less total body surface area burn are capable of heat acclimating in a similar manner to those who are unburned. Patients with total body surface area burn of 65% (or greater) had a more difficult time with the protocol.

Click here to return to the Completed Master Degree Theses in Exercise Physiology Table of Contents.