Comparison of rectal and tympanic thermometry during exercise

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Heat-related illnesses are preventable athletic injuries.
• Effective monitoring of core body temperature is crucial for athlete safety.
• Preventing heat stroke and exhaustion requires accurate temperature tracking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare rectal (Tre) and tympanic (Tty) thermometry for monitoring body temperature during exercise.
• To evaluate the reliability of tympanic thermometry in hot conditions.
• To assess the effectiveness of these methods in preventing heat-related illnesses.

Main Methods:

• Ten adult subjects performed exercise in hot, humid environments.
• Body temperature was continuously monitored using both rectal and tympanic thermometers.
• Data analysis focused on temperature changes during exercise and recovery phases.

Main Results:

• Tympanic temperature (Tty) increased more significantly than rectal temperature (Tre) during exercise.
• Both methods showed strong correlation during exercise.
• Rectal temperatures continued to rise post-exercise, with no significant difference in peak temperatures between methods.
• Correlation was poor between Tty and Tre during the recovery phase.

Conclusions:

• Tympanic thermometry is a reliable tool for monitoring body temperature fluctuations during physical exertion.
• This method can be beneficial for preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke in athletes undergoing prolonged exercise.
• Continuous monitoring with tympanic thermometers offers a practical approach to managing exercise-induced hyperthermia.