New research from the University of Roehampton has revealed that the upper critical temperature (UCT) of humans is likely to be between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius. The study, led by Professor Lewis Halsey, also found that the human body’s resting energy expenditure, an indicator of how much energy the body needs to maintain its basic functions, can increase under hot and humid conditions. The research sheds light on how our bodies respond to extreme weather conditions and could have far-reaching implications for areas such as workplace safety, sports, medicine, and international travel.
The study was conducted in response to a lack of information on the upper limits of the human thermoneutral zone, the range of temperatures in which the body can maintain its core temperature without expending extra energy. The researchers used a high-tech echocardiogram to examine how the heart responds to heat stress in different individuals, including those of different ages and fitness levels. They found significant differences in cardiovascular responses to heat between men and women, with men showing greater resilience to heat stress.
The research is ongoing, with the team continuing to investigate how the heart responds to conditions beyond the upper critical temperature. The findings could help to inform the design of better environments and conditions for human performance and health, particularly in a world that is becoming increasingly warm. The team’s latest findings will be presented at the SEB conference, where they will share their insights into how the body responds to heat stress and the limits of its adaptability.
In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into how the human body responds to extreme weather conditions and the upper limits of the human thermoneutral zone. The findings could have significant implications for areas such as workplace safety, sports, medicine, and international travel. By understanding these dynamic processes, we can design better environments and conditions for human performance and health, particularly in a world that is becoming increasingly warm. The ongoing research will continue to shed light on how the body responds to heat stress and the limits of its adaptability.
