Chapter 6: Environmental Conditions

Environmental stress can adversely impact an athlete's performance and pose serious health threats

Areas of concern

Hyperthermia

Hypothermia

Altitude

Exposure to the sun

Lightening storms

Air pollution

Circadian dysrhythmia (Jet Lag)

Hyperthermia

Heat Stress

Metabolic Heat Production

Normal metabolic function results in production of heat (will increase with intensity of exercise)

1 Conductive Heat Exchange

2 Convective Heat Exchange

3 Radiant Heat Exchange

Evaporative Heat Loss

Monitoring Heat Index

Heat, sunshine and humidity must be monitored closely

(WBGT)

Newer models utilize digital sensors

Heat Illnesses

Heat rash (prickly heat)

Heat Syncope (heat collapse)

Heat Cramps

Heat Exhaustion

Heatstroke

Drastic measures must be taken to cool athlete

Malignant hyperthermia

Preventing Heat Illness

Prevent through hydration, don't ignore thirst, and don't rely on it being your indicator

Using Sports Drinks

Gradual Acclimatization

Identifying Susceptible Individuals

Uniform Selection

Base on temperature and humidity

Dress for the weather and temperature

Avoid rubberized suits

Weight Records

Keep track of before and after measures for first two weeks

If increase in temperature and humidity occurs during the season, weights should again be recorded

A loss of 3-5% reduces blood volume and could be a health threat

Guidelines for Athletes Who Intentionally Lose Weight

Hypothermia

Prevention

Common Cold Injuries

Frostbite

Altitude

Adaptations

Altitude Illnesses

Overexposure to Sun

Using Sunscreen

Lightening Safety

NATA and National Weather Service recommend returning to the field 30 minutes following the last clap of thunder or lightening strike

Air Pollution

Ozone

Carbon Monoxide

Prevention

Synthetic Turf