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Febrile illness in the athlete.
Natalie A Dick1, Jason J Diehl2
1Department of Family Medicine, Riverside Methodist Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, Dublin, Ohio.
Sports Health
|May 3, 2014
Summary
Fever in athletes impacts thermoregulation, metabolism, and muscle function, increasing risks during exercise. Gradual return to training is advised only after fever and dehydration resolve.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Athletic Training
Background:
- Acute febrile illnesses are common during athletic training and competition.
- Safe and complete recovery is crucial for athletes to return to play.
- Considerations include thermoregulation, metabolism, fluid balance, and muscle function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of febrile illness on athletes.
- To explore the implications for return to play decisions.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search of PubMed (1970-2013) was conducted.
- Keywords included fever, illness, exercise, athlete, sport, and return to play.
- The study design was a clinical review (Level 4 evidence).
Main Results:
- Febrile illness alters thermoregulation, metabolism, and fluid homeostasis.
- Muscle strength and endurance decrease due to muscle catabolism during fever.
- Limited research exists on return to play protocols for febrile illness.
Conclusions:
- Fever increases fluid loss, metabolic demand, and disrupts body temperature regulation.
- Fever negatively impacts musculoskeletal health, reducing strength and increasing fatigue.
- Gradual resumption of training post-fever and dehydration is recommended, with no consensus for return before fever resolution.
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