The field of exercise physiology is a broad field of inquiry that focuses on the total physiological responses of humans to stressors such as exercise or the environment. While it is well known that extremes environments impose unique stressors on humans that manifest profound physiological effects, it remains an area that is underreported upon in the literature. It should be noted that it is often through the study of physiological extremes that the scientific community gains greater insight into the capacity of the human organism for physiological function.
Furthermore, it has been shown that extreme environments have a detrimental effect on cognitive function and also result in elevated inflammation and changes in metabolism. Though not commonly experienced by all people, there are instances either occupationally or recreationally where people not only are exposed to extreme environments, but also are required to compound the stress through exercise. The resulting combination can manifest even greater physiological responses, which require investigation.
The editors invited contributions for this special edition that represented current and timely expansion of knowledge in the areas of environmental and exercise physiology in extreme conditions. It is of utmost importance that inquiry in this area continues so that a more comprehensive understanding of the human physiological response to unique environments can be developed and methods for coping with these environmental stressors improved.
Ellen L. Glickman
Edward J. Ryan
David Bellar