Environmental Physiology

PhD candidates

Felicity Bright - The thermophysiology of self-paced exercise
Tom Topham - Thermoregulatory responses to exercise-heat stress in children and adults
Harry Brown - Seasonal heat acclimatisation: From youth to adulthood
Peter McDonald - The influence of environmental characteristics on heat acclimation adaptions

PhD graduates

Alice Wallett (2022) - The effect of exercise and heat stress on indirect blood markers of gastrointestinal damage in well-trained populations
Avish Sharma (2019) - Optimising training prescription and periodisation during altitude training in elite runners
Michael Davies (2018) - Effects of environmental and feedback manipulations on exercise regulation in cyclists

The Environmental Physiology Research Laboratory at UCRISE houses state-of-the-art equipment for measuring thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, cerebrovascular and cerebrocortical function. Our facilities include an environmental chamber capable of simulating altitude up to 5000 m, as well as extreme combinations of temperature (10-50ºC) and relative humidity (20-90%). The laboratory also houses a water immersion facility, along with cycling, running and rowing ergometers, with access to balance and proprioception assessment equipment.

Performance and fatigue in the 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.

Performance and fatigue at altitude

Exercise capacity is reduced when undertaken at altitude. At the Environmental Physiology Research Laboratory, we seek to understand how hypoxia, as well as hyperoxia, influence the ability to perform aerobic exercise. We also seek to understand how chronic exposure to altitude leads to adaptations that improve exercise performance. As such, we measure haematological responses, along with cardiovascular, neuromuscular and cognitive function during and following exposure to hypoxic environments.

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 therapy in ageing and disease

Ageing is associated with an increased susceptibility to disease and a loss of function. At the Environmental Physiology Research Laboratory, we seek to use heat therapy, the repeated exposure to passive heat stress, to improve muscle function and balance in older adults, as well as enhance cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and cognitive function in those with chronic diseases.

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.

Domestically

• Australian Institute of Sport
• ACT Academy of Sport
• Athletics Australia
• Brumbies
• New South Wales Institute of Sport
• South Australia Sport Institute
• Victoria Institute of Sport
• Western Australia Institute of Sport

Internationally

• Aspetar
• World Athletics
• World Triathlon

• Australian Institute of Sport (Australian Sports Commission)
• Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
• Sports Medicine Australia (SMA)

• The Coca Cola Company
• Australian Defence force