Core body temperature responses during competitive sporting events: A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Environmental Physiology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Elite athletes frequently achieve core body temperatures (Tc) ≥ 40°C during competition without adverse health effects.
• Laboratory-derived Tc thresholds for heat stress may not accurately reflect real-world competitive scenarios.
• The International Olympic Committee has called for sport-specific thermal profile data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review published data on Tc responses in competitive athletes.
• To determine the incidence of Tc ≥ 40°C and associated exertional heat illness/heat stroke (EHI/EHS) symptoms.
• To discuss the evolution of Tc measurement techniques in sports.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on athlete core body temperature during competition.
• Analysis of studies reporting Tc values and incidence of EHI/EHS symptoms.
• Examination of factors influencing Tc, including sport type, environment, and athlete characteristics.

Main Results:

• 11.9% of athletes in reviewed studies presented with a Tc ≥ 40°C.
• Only 2.8% of athletes with Tc ≥ 40°C experienced EHI/EHS symptoms.
• High Tc (≥ 40°C) occurred across various sports and environments, with endurance athletes showing higher incidence but similar EHI/EHS rates compared to intermittent athletes.

Conclusions:

• A core body temperature (Tc) ≥ 40°C is not a consistent predictor of exertional heat illness/heat stroke (EHI/EHS) in competitive athletes.
• Monitoring Tc alongside secondary indicators like cognitive function and gait is recommended to mitigate heat-related injuries.
• Current Tc thresholds for heat stress may need re-evaluation for practical application in sports settings.