Fluid and electrolyte losses associated with working/exercising for prolonged periods in thermally stressful environments

Abstract

Fluid and electrolyte disturbances, prompted by high sweat losses, can occur when a person is exposed to harsh environmental conditions for prolonged periods. In the endurance athlete this will have detrimental effects on performance, while in manual labourers the consequent neural and muscular deficits will place an individual’s health at risk as well as increasing the risk of workplace accidents. This research will seek to further explore fluid and electrolyte losses in these two ‘at risk’ populations enabling more appropriate guidelines for replacement to be made.