Physiological responses to cold stress during prolonged intermittent low- and high-intensity walking.

In a previous study [Am. J. Physiol. 272 (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 41): R226-R233, 1997], the physiological responses to 240 min of intermittent low-intensity walking exercise in a cold (+5 degrees C), wet, and windy environment (Cold) may have been influenced by a 120-min preceding phase of intermittent higher-intensity exercise. Furthermore, the physiological responses observed during this latter phase may have been different if it had been more prolonged. To address these questions, active men attempted a 360-min intermittent (15 min of rest, 45 min of exercise) exercise protocol in Cold and a thermoneutral environment (+15 degrees C, Neutral) at a low (0% grade, 5 km/h; Low; n = 14) and a higher (10% grade, 6 km/h; High; n = 10) intensity. During Low, rectal temperature was lower in Cold than in Neutral, whereas O2 consumption, carbohydrate oxidation, plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine, and blood lactate were higher. During High, Cold had a similar but less marked influence on the thermoregulatory responses to exercise than during Low. In conclusion, the physiological responses to Low are similarly influenced by Cold whether or not they are preceded by High. Furthermore, during intermittent exercise up to an intensity of approximately 60% of peak O2 consumption, a cold, wet, and windy environment will influence the physiological responses to exercise and potentially impair performance.