Book

Description

As climate change accelerates and extreme heat events become more frequent, understanding human thermoregulation is essential for protecting health, enhancing performance, and preventing heat-related illness. Applied Human Physiology for Heat Illness Prevention in Clinical and Fitness Settings provides a comprehensive, evidence-based exploration of the physiological mechanisms that regulate body temperature, with a distinctive focus on the emerging role of non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) pathways in human thermal homeostasis. Written for medical students, clinicians, physiologists, sports scientists, physiotherapists, emergency care providers, fitness professionals, and researchers, this book bridges fundamental physiology with practical clinical and exercise applications. The text begins by examining the foundations of thermal homeostasis, including hypothalamic control, cutaneous blood flow, sweating, shivering, and behavioral responses to thermal stress. It then explores the pathophysiology, classification, diagnosis, prevention, and management of heat-related illnesses before examining the integrated roles of adrenergic, cholinergic, and NANC pathways in thermoregulation. Detailed chapters explain the physiological actions of nitric oxide (NO), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P, cGMP signaling, sweat gland regulation, and cutaneous vasodilation, highlighting their importance in maintaining thermal balance under physiological and pathological conditions. Drawing upon current scientific evidence and original research, the book presents experimental findings on pharmacological modulation of thermoregulatory responses during controlled heat exposure, including the effects of ibuprofen and cetirizine on body temperature, cardiovascular function, and sweat production. It further translates these findings into practical recommendations for heat illness prevention in hospitals, sports facilities, workplaces, fitness centres, and community settings.