Aerobic fitness impacts sympathoadrenal axis responses to concurrent challenges.

Unlabelled: The combination of mental and physical challenges can elicit exacerbated cardiorespiratory (CR) and catecholamine responses above that of a single challenge alone.

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a combination of acute mental challenges and physical stress on cardiorespiratory and catecholamine responses.

Method: Eight below-average fitness (LF VO = 36.

Work duration does not affect cortisol output in experienced firefighters performing live burn drills.

Work duration may affect firefighters' stress responses. Forty-two firefighters (38 males) performed either 2 (SWD) or 3 (LWD) bouts of simulated fire suppression activity. Salivary cortisol, self-reported fear and anxiety, and perceptual thermal responses were measured.

Pilot Study Examining the Effects of Atropine on Performance during Uncompensable Heat Stress.

Unlabelled: In many operational scenarios, hypohydration can be corrected with oral rehydration following the work interval. Although rare, there are potential situations that require extended intervals of uncompensable heat stress exposure while working in personal protective equipment (PPE). Under these conditions, retention of body water may be valuable to preserve work capacity and reduce cardiovascular strain.

Aerobic fitness affects cortisol responses to concurrent challenges.

Purpose: Studies have demonstrated that a combination of mental and physical challenge can elicit exacerbated state anxiety, effort sense, and cortisol responses above that of a single stimulus. However, an analysis of the effects of aerobic fitness on the responses of cortisol to concurrent mental and physical stress between below average and above average fitness individuals has not been conducted. This study examined the effects of a combination of acute mental challenges and physical stress on psychological and cortisol responses between eight individuals of below average fitness (low fit (LF), VO2max = 36.