Physiological and biochemical responses during incremental uphill load carriage

The present study aimed to examine the effect of carrying different magnitudes of load on the changes and relationships of salivary Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and cortisol concentrations and the physiological parameters. Twelve Indian soldiers performed an intense uphill treadmill walking at two speeds viz. 2.5 km h−1 and 4 km h−1 without any load and carrying 10.7 kg, 17 kg and 21.4 kg loads for 36 min. Salivary IgA concentration relative to total protein decreased significantly after each exercise session and cortisol concentration increased concomitantly with physiological variables e.g. heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), minute ventilation (VE) and energy expenditure (EE). An inverse correlation (P