Validation of Heat Stress Limit Values for the Athletic Performance

Overview

Three male and three female semi-professional athletes, ranging in age from 22 to 27, participated in a study that was done at Lund University in Sweden to examine their physiological responses. The temperature and relative humidity were adjusted at 40 degrees Celsius for hot, dry conditions and 31 degrees Celsius for hot, wet conditions, respectively. The participants were instructed to engage in physical activity on a treadmill within the chamber for 70 minutes, or until participants were able to continue their exercise without difficulty within the allotted period. Participants were instructed to walk (5 kph) and run (8 kph). Participants pulse rate, breathing rate, oxygen consumption, and subjective reactions were all recorded. On the basis of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a heat stress index, the American College of Sports Medicine has made certain suggestions. The technique used to determine the temperature on a Celsius scale took into account the influences of relative humidity, air temperature, wind, and direct sunlight radiation. The American College of Sports Medicine advises delaying athletic competition when the WBGT is above 28 degrees. In the climate control chamber, the trials were carried out in high-risk circumstances (28 degrees Celsius WBGT). According to the study's findings, exercise is influenced by weather, and as air temperature rises, so do the intensity of exertion and thermal feeling.

Methodology Experimental research design Study Duration 6 months Study Centres Thermal Environment Laboratory, Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University Main Objectives Objective 1: To examine the physiological responses (skin temperature, core body temperature, body temperature, heart rate, and oxygen uptake) of semi-professional athletes during physical activity in different climatic conditions (hot wet and hot dry) Objective 2: To compare the effects of physical activity intensity (5 km/hr and 8 km/hr) on the physiological responses of semi-professional athletes under varying climatic conditions. Objective 3: To investigate the influence of gender on the physiological responses of semi-professional athletes during physical activity in different climatic conditions. Objective 4: To assess the suitability of the Physiological Heat Strain (PHS) and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index for evaluating heat stress in sports settings based on the findings from semi-professional athletes. No. of Participants Six semiprofessional athletes including three males and three females with a mean age of (24.7 ± 2.1 years) and a body surface area mean of (1.8 ± 0.2 m2) participated in this study. Main Eligibility Criteria Key factors to consider when defining semiprofessionals include participation in regional competition level, receiving monetary compensation for their sports participation, participating in sports activity in the last six years, and skill level. These athletes typically demonstrate a higher level of skill and performance than recreational or amateur participants.