APPW2025

Oranizers :Youichirou Ootsuka (Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health Medical Institute) and Takayuki Ishiwata (Rikkyo University, College of Sport and Wellness)

Global warming has intensified heat-related health risks, notably heat stroke. The importance of heat acclimation as a countermeasure is increasingly recognised. While there has been significant progress in research into the central circuits involved in the regulation of homeostatic body temperature, the mechanisms of heat acclimation remain largely a mystery. This symposium will share the latest findings on the mechanisms of heat acclimation obtained from research on animals and humans, and discuss the direction of future research in this field. In this symposium, we will discuss the role of the brain in heat acclimation, focusing on neurochemical adaptation and potential structural changes in laboratory animals. From human studies, we will discuss how changes in the gut microbiota may support or hinder heat tolerance. The symposium will also cover the practical implications of heat acclimation and cooling strategies for athletes. Finally, an interdisciplinary panel discussion will be held to discuss heat acclimation from the perspectives of neurophysiology, exercise immunology, and sports science. This integrated approach will contribute to improving individual wellness and performance in hot environments.