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An Inertial Measurement Unit Based Method to Estimate Hip and Knee Joint Kinematics in Team Sport Athletes on the Field
Published on: May 26, 2020
Continuous and intermittent heat acclimation and decay in team sport athletes
Daniel M Duvnjak-Zaknich1, Karen E Wallman1, Brian T Dawson1
1a School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science) , The University of Western Australia , Crawley , Western Australia.
Continuous and intermittent heat acclimation protocols both enhance repeat-sprint performance in the heat. Performance improvements were sustained for two weeks post-acclimation, regardless of the protocol used.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Heat acclimation is crucial for athletes competing in hot environments.
- Understanding the optimal heat acclimation protocol is essential for maximizing performance.
- Previous research has explored various heat acclimation strategies with mixed results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of continuous (CON) versus intermittent (INT) heat acclimation on repeat-sprint performance.
- To evaluate the duration of performance enhancement and decay following heat acclimation.
- To assess thermoregulatory responses during repeat-sprint exercise after different acclimation protocols.
Main Methods:
- A pair-matched, between-subjects design involving 16 trained male team sport athletes.
- Two groups: INT (8 sessions over 15 days) and CON (8 sessions over 8 days) heat acclimation.
- Heat tolerance tests (HTT) measuring repeat-sprint cycling performance and thermoregulatory variables pre- and post-acclimation, with follow-ups over two weeks.
Main Results:
- Both INT and CON heat acclimation significantly improved repeat-sprint performance (mean power, total work) compared to pre-acclimation levels.
- No significant differences in performance enhancements or thermoregulatory responses (core/skin temperature, heart rate) were observed between INT and CON groups.
- Performance and thermoregulatory benefits were maintained for at least two weeks post-acclimation in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Both continuous and intermittent heat acclimation protocols are effective in improving repeat-sprint cycling performance in the heat.
- The choice between continuous or intermittent protocols does not appear to influence the magnitude or duration of performance benefits.
- Athletes can expect sustained improvements in heat performance for up to two weeks after completing either acclimation protocol.
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