Work

Impact of age, cardiorespiratory fitness, and regular physical activity on physiological strain and cognitive performance during a 6-h extreme heat exposure

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Advancing age is associated with progressive increases in the rise in core temperature during extreme heat exposure, and this trajectory is evident across the entire adult lifespan rather than emerging only in older adults. Thermoregulatory capacity declines steadily with each decade, leading to greater thermal strain even in mid-adulthood. Although higher cardiorespiratory fitness enhances sweating, it does not eliminate the age-related increase in core temperature, underscoring that heat vulnerability may develop gradually throughout adulthood.

Source: Journal of Applied Physiology

DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00105.2026

Authors: Harry A. Brown, Kevin John, Josh D. Elliott, Thomas A. Deshayes, Daniel Gagnon, Ollie Jay, Brad Clark, Julien D. Périard

Institutions: The University of Sydney, University of Canberra, Université de Sherbrooke, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal

Language: English

Topic: Thermoregulation and physiological responses

Subfield: Physiology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7161411470

FWCI: 10.45

Cites: 65

Cited by: 3

Related to: 10