Abstract
Heat stress is often associated with exercise, sport and physical activity undertaken in the topics. Uncompensable heat stress can affect thermoregulatory control, exercise performance, health and well-being. Evidence from clinic and field observations, and experimental studies, points to a dual-pathway model of heat stress involving both classical thermoregulatory and inflammatory pathways that regulate heat stress and heat stroke. It appears that thermoregulation involves a complex and dynamic interplay between heat cytotoxicity, coagulation and a systemic inflammatory response subsequent to damage to the gut and other organs. The effects of heat on the immune system are generally modest and athletes can train and compete in warm to hot conditions when adequately prepared and preventative strategies are employed. The practical intervention strategies center on heat acclimation or acclimatization programs prior to training and competing in hot conditions, and employing a range of cooling methods suitable for the particular sport or physical/occupational activity undertaken.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Science of Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity in the Tropics |
Editors | Andrew Edwards, Anthony Leicht |
Place of Publication | New York, US |
Publisher | Nova Science Publishers |
Chapter | 2 |
Pages | 11-18 |
Number of pages | 8 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781631177392 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781631177378 |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |