Ash Willmott

This page now redirects to Ash's completed thesis (2018) page on Pure

https://research.brighton.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/optimising-heat-acclimation-state-and-refining-strategies-for-the-2

established 16/2/24

 

Ash is undertaking a PhD within environmental physiology at the 91¶¶Òõ, where he continued on from his BSc. This is alongside working at the sport and exercise science consultancy unit whilst he is also completing his BASES supervised experience.

Ash is specifically interested in the physiological responses to thermal environments, exercise tolerance and inflammation. He also has a wealth of applied experience with a range of sports from mixed martial arts and boxing to cycling and ultra-endurance marathons.

Ash has published seven peer-reviewed journal articles, most recently working with a group of ultra-endurance runners preparing for the Marathon des Sables.

Email address: A.Willmott@brighton.ac.uk

Qualification: PhD

Timeframe: Part-time from November 2017

Ash-Wilmott

Thesis title

Optimising heat acclimation: The interplay between heat acclimation state, training status and inflammatory markers

My research

Endurance performances across a spectrum of distances, as well as individuals performing occupational duties, are markedly impaired by heat stress (Guy et al., 2014). In particular, reductions in endurance cycling performances are observed as environmental temperatures are elevated to, or exceed 30ºC (Racinais et al., 2015). Whereas, a diminished work capacity in uncompensable conditions is observed in firefighters and military soldiers, while wearing personal protective clothing (Montain et al., 1994; Eglin, 2007).

There are numerous contributing factors which lead to heat related illnesses and an increased inflammatory response, these include, but are not limited to; unsuccessful preparation, diverse biophysical characteristics, age, aerobic capacity, large rises in core temperature, ineffective sudomotor responses, insufficient rest and increased circulating stress hormones (Epstein, 1990; Epstein et al., 1999; Sawka et al., 2011). It has been suggested that a single predisposing phenotypic characteristic, heat acclimation state, may explain the vast inter-individual response to thermally stressful environments, and may categorise those who are more susceptible to HRI (Havenith, 1997; Heled et al., 2004).

This research is investigating the effects of acute and chronic heat acclimation on inflammatory responses, aerobic capacity and heat acclimation state. By investigating the effects of training frequency and physiological responses to heat stress, through once and twice daily heat acclimation protocols and subsequently exercise tolerance, we can identify factors which determine the vast array of heat acclimation states and individual responses to heat stress. This will enable us to individually prescribe optimal heat acclimation for athletes and occupational personnel preparing to exercise performances or work duties, while reducing the likelihood of heat related illness.

Supervisors

Dr Neil Maxwell

Dr Jeanne Dekerle

Dr Mark Hayes