A quantitative method for estimating the adaptedness in a physiological study

BACKGROUND: Existed mathematical models of individual adaptation are mostly reductionist by nature. Researchers usually a priori consider the subject adapted basing only on the fact of continued or prolonged influence of the harmful factor. This paper describes a method that allows assessing the physiological adaptedness to experimental challenges on the basis of holistic approach and quantitative criteria. METHODS: The suggested method comprises simple equations and incorporates into the model an indicator that differentiates functions in regard to their significance for determining physiological adaptedness considered as an outcome of the adaptive process. RESULTS: The proposed empirical model affords the possibility of comparing subjects in respect to their resistance to several loads. Physiological parameters were differentiated with regard to their significance for assessing adaptedness. Two examples of animal adaptation to exercise after physical training and plant adaptogen administration are considered. CONCLUSION: The calculated index of adaptedness is useful in that it replaces wordy descriptions of large tables that reveal alterations in numerous parameters of many subjects under study.