Effect of salicylates on elevation of body temperature during exercise

¹ Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; and Presbyterian Hospital, New York City

An attempt was made to determine the effect of orally ingested acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in moderate amounts for varying periods of time, on temperature response of ten healthy young men walking on a power-driven treadmill with a work load of approximately 6 mets. Three experiments were conducted, ranging from one dose of 1.8–2.4 g ASA to 3.6–4.8 g/day in divided doses for 48 hr, and the same amount in divided doses for 5–7 days, the dose in the first experiment and the last dose in those following being given 1–2 hr before exercise. Rectal temperature was measured at rest, during exercise, and for 20–45 min of recovery. Blood levels of salicylate were determined, hematocrits were recorded, and total proteins were determined; each subject was weighed before and after exercise. It was found that rise in body temperature was not modified by ASA in any of the various dosages, nor was significant hemodilution of the blood caused. Suggestive, but not conclusive, evidence emerged indicating that salicylates accelerate the early stages of the fall in body temperature after exercise.

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