• Temperature regulation (convection, radiation, conduction, evaporation)
• Climatic conditions (temperature, humidity, wind, rain, altitude, pollution)
• Guidelines for fluid intake
• Acclimatisation

Temperature Regulation

• Convection
  • Mode of heat transfer away from the body.
  • Occurs across the skin by moving fluid.
  • Example: A runner loses heat to surrounding air as they move through it.
• Radiation
  • Heat loss through infrared rays to the environment.
  • Example: Radiation of heat during exercising when the body gets heated.
• Conduction
  • The heat is transferred from one object to another through direct contact.
  • Example: While running or playing tennis, our feet are in contact with the surface of the playing field.
• Evaporation
  • Major mode of heat loss during physical activity.
  • Heat is lost through sweat.

Climatic Conditions

• Temperature
  • Physical activity in the heat can be exhausting leading to dehydration.
  • In the same way, working out in the cold can decrease internal body temperature and cause shivering as a result of the body’s mechanism to retain heat.
• Humidity
  • In humid conditions, evaporation is obstructed.
  • This means athletes will have a decreased level of sweating and be at risk of overheating and heat stress.
• Wind
  • Wind chills can cause skin burning for which protective clothes that cover the skin are necessary.
• Rain
  • Although rain can be helpful in keeping the body temperature optimum, rain often disrupts the line of vision.
  • Rain also increases risk of injury by making surfaces slippery.
• Altitude
  • In high altitudes, the amount of oxygen becomes gradually less, making aerobic activities stressful.
  • At a standard level, altitude contributes in high performance (example: high jump)
• Pollution
  • An obstacle for athletes living in the urban areas.
  • Reduces oxygen transport and by extension, deprives muscles of getting oxygen, making aerobic activities difficult.
  • An early morning exercise routine before the rush hours in the city can prevent detrimental effects.

Guidelines for Fluid Intake

• Although evaporation is effective in cooling down the body, excessive sweating can lead to dehydration.
• Guidelines for fluid intake include:
  • Hydration, every 15-20 minutes during training.
  • Drinking more water when temperatures are high.
  • For child athletes, separate guidelines for thermoregulation should be used.

Acclimatisation

• A technique applied during training where an athlete is exposed to different climatic stressors to allow him to adapt to different conditions.
• An athlete’s body becomes tolerant to changes in temperature, humidity, altitude and other environmental factors.