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Core Temperature during Cold-Water Triathlon Swimming.
Lars Øivind Høiseth1, Jørgen Melau2,3,4, Martin Bonnevie-Svendsen3
1Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
Sports (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 2, 2021
Summary
Endurance athletes may face hypothermia risks during cold-water triathlon swims. Low body mass index and longer swim times increase this risk, even with wetsuits.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Environmental Physiology
Background:
- Endurance races like triathlons are increasingly popular.
- Despite good health, participants face risks, including mortality, particularly during the swim leg.
- Hypothermia is a significant concern during cold-water swimming events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate core body temperature changes during the swim leg of a full-distance triathlon.
- To identify risk factors for hypothermia in athletes participating in cold-water swims.
- To assess the effectiveness of wetsuits in preventing hypothermia in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Core body temperature was monitored using ingestible temperature sensor capsules in 51 triathlon participants.
- Measurements were taken before and during the swim leg of a full-distance triathlon.
- Water temperature was recorded (14.4-16.4 °C), and participants wore wetsuits.
Main Results:
- One participant with a low body mass index and extended swim duration developed hypothermia (<35 °C).
- No significant association was found between core temperature and swim time, body mass index, or sex in other participants.
- Wetsuits did not prevent hypothermia in the identified at-risk individual.
Conclusions:
- Athletes with low body mass index and long swim times are at risk of hypothermia during triathlon swims in approximately 15-16 °C water.
- Even with wetsuits, hypothermia remains a potential risk in cold-water endurance events.
- Further research into risk mitigation strategies for cold-water swimming is warranted.
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