Environmental physiology

Performance and Fatigue in heat

Endurance performance is impaired under heat stress. At the Environmental Physiology Research Laboratory, we seek to understand the mechanisms that mediate this impairment. As such, we measure the integrative response to heat stress to examine how the development of thermal strain and dehydration impact thermoregulatory capacity, along with cardiovascular, neuromuscular, cerebrovascular and cognitive function.

Heat acclimation in sport

Heat acclimation is the most important intervention one can adopt to reduce physiological strain and optimise performance in the heat. At the Environmental Physiology Research Laboratory, we seek identify the most appropriate approach to heat acclimation for different populations (athletes, occupational workforce, military). We also seek to characterise the heat acclimation adaptations related to different approaches and environmental conditions, and describe potential differences in the adaptive response between males and females.

Heat tolerance testing

Military personnel, occupational workers (firefighters, miners, outdoor labourers) and athletes are often exposed to extreme environments, such as high heat and humidity. At the Environmental Physiology Research Laboratory, we utilise state-of-the-art equipment to conduct heat response tests to determine individual susceptibility to heat stress, and provide recommendations for return to work and play.