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For centuries, regular exercise has been acknowledged as a potent stimulus to promote, maintain, and restore healthy functioning of nearly every physiological system of the human body. With advancing understanding of the complexity of human physiology, continually evolving methodological possibilities, and an increasingly dire public health situation, the study of exercise as a preventative or therapeutic treatment has never been more interdisciplinary, or more impactful. During the early stages of the NIH Common Fund Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC) Initiative, the field is well-positioned to build substantially upon the existing understanding of the mechanisms underlying benefits associated with exercise. Thus, we present a comprehensive body of the knowledge detailing the current literature basis surrounding the molecular adaptations to exercise in humans to provide a view of the state of the field at this critical juncture, as well as a resource for scientists bringing external expertise to the field of exercise physiology. In reviewing current literature related to molecular and cellular processes underlying exercise-induced benefits and adaptations, we also draw attention to existing knowledge gaps warranting continued research effort. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3193-3279, 2022., (Copyright © 2022 American Physiological Society. All rights reserved.)

Context:  Heat injury is a significant threat to military trainees. Different methods of heat mitigation are in use across military units. Mist fans are 1 of several methods used in the hot and humid climate of Fort Benning, Georgia., Objectives:  To determine if (1) the mist fan or the cooling towel effectively lowered participant core temperature in the humid environment found at Fort Benning and (2) the mist fan or the cooling towel presented additional physiologic or safety benefits or detriments when used in this environment., Design:  Randomized controlled clinical trial., Setting:  Laboratory environmental chamber., Patients or Other Participants:  Thirty-five physically active men aged 19 to 35 years., Intervention(s):  (1) Mist fan, (2) commercial cooling towel, (3) passive-cooling (no intervention) control. All treatments lasted 20 minutes. Participants ran on a treadmill at 60% V̇o 2 max., Main Outcome Measure(s):  Rectal core temperature, heart rate, thermal comfort, perceived temperature, perceived wetness, and blood pressure., Results:  Average core temperature increased during 20 minutes of cooling (F 1,28 = 64.76, P < .001, η p 2 = 0.70), regardless of group (F 1,28 = 3.41, P = .08, η p 2 = 0.11) or condition (F 1,28 < 1.0). Core temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure did not differ among the 3 conditions. Perceived temperature during 20 minutes of cooling decreased (F 1,30 = 141.19, P < .001, η p 2 = 0.83) regardless of group or condition. Perceived temperature was lower with the mist-fan treatment than with the control treatment (F 1,15 = 7.38, P = .02, η p 2 = 0.32). The mist-fan group perceived themselves to be cooler even at elevated core temperatures., Conclusions:  The mist fan and cooling towel were both ineffective at lowering core temperature. Core temperature continued to increase after exercise in all groups. The mist fan produced feelings of coolness while the core temperature remained elevated, possibly increasing the risk of heat illness.