Defense Date
1985
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Education
First Advisor
R. DeMeersman
Second Advisor
Jude Pennington
Third Advisor
Michael K. Kyles
Fourth Advisor
Jack H. Schiltz
Fifth Advisor
John A. Oehler
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) upon thermoregulation and respiration. Eight adult males whose ages ranged from 19 to 33 years were asked to engage in this study. The respiratory parameters included oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, respiratory quotient, minute ventilation, and breathing frequency. The thermoregulatory parameters included rectal temperatures and total skin temperatures. Before experimentation commenced, each subject underwent a maximum oxygen consumption test (VO2 max) to determine 60% of their VO2 max. Each of the eight subjects walked at 60% of their VO2 max up an appropriate gradient on a motor driven treadmill for 60 minutes. Each subject ingested 3.9 grams of ASA or a placebo in uniform capsules in four equal doses and at times 24 hours before experimentation. A seven day "wash out" period was observed between the two experimental sessions. As is required by a double blind cross-over protocol, the subjects doubled as their own experimental and control group. An analysis of variance was performed on the mean values for all subjects. No statistical significance was found for the thermoregulatory data at the .05 level. There was a statistical difference at the .05 level for the oxygen consumption, respiratory quotient, minute ventilation, and the breathing frequency. Among the respiratory variables, only the carbon dioxide production did not show a significant difference.
Increases in the four of five aforementioned respiratory parameters can be attributed to ASAs hypermetabolic effects. However, this same effect did not significantly increase core and skin temperature due to the generous temperature gradient afforded to each subject in the laboratory.
Although more studies are needed on this subject, it is likely at this time that "normal" prescribed dosages can be safely taken as a prophylactic measure, in conjunction with exercise.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
7-1-2024