EXERCISE THERMOREGULATION IN THAI AND POLISH MALE-SUBJECTS

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of exercise thermo regulatory functions in Thai and Polish groups. Twelve Thai and 14 Pol ish healthy male students were included. An exercise test on a bicycle ergometer at 53% of the maximal work load was performed at ambient ai r temperature of 30 degrees C and relative humidity of 70%. The test w as terminated when rectal temperature (Tre) rose by 1.2 degrees C. Dur ation of this exercise considered as an index of the efficiency of exe rcise thermoregulatory functions. The duration of test exercise was ev idently longer in Thais (44.8 min) than in Polish students (34.1 min). The rate of increase in the internal body temperature was lover in Th ais (0.029 degrees C x min(-1)) than in Poles (0.037 degrees C x min(- 1)) but exercise dehydration as well as the rate of body weight loss w ere significantly higher in Thais than in Poles. It can be concluded t hat the exercise thermoregulatory mechanisms are more efficient in Tha is. Polish young athletes were poorly adapted to exercise in warm and humid environment and thus they require more exercise training in clim atic chamber proir to competitions held in countries with warm and hum id climate.