Environmental temperature changes as stress stimulus

This article presents the preliminary results of the stress response in 17 healthy young people under high temperature and humidity as a stressor stimulus. The aim of this study is to determine the variations on stress biomarkers due to prolonged exposure to an environment characterized by high temperature (35 °C) and high relative humidity (45%). The experimental protocol proposed as stress biomarkers recording skin temperature, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, pulse wave, skin conductance, electromyography, blood samples and saliva to determine: Prolactin, Co-pectina, Glucose, Cortisol and a-amylase. Additionally, psychometric tests and Trail Making Test was applied. The measurement session consisted of seven hours divided into three phases where stress biomarkers are recorded: 1) Ambient Control (2 hours at 20°C and 45% of humidity), habituation to climatic chamber and sensors, 2) Thermal stress (2 hours at 35°C and 45% humidity), 3) Returning to control (2 hours at 20° C and 45% humidity). Preliminary analysis of the results shows that during the second phase of the session changes occur in the levels of a-amylase saliva and blood prolactin. The visual analogue scale is most sensitive among applied test.