Quantifying the Time-course of Changes in Maximal Skin Wettedness with 7 days of Heat Acclimation.

The aim of the present study was to quantify the time-course of changes in maximum skin wettedness (ω) - i.e., the proportion of skin surface area covered in sweat at the point of uncompensable heat stress, throughout 7 consecutive days of heat acclimation.

Optimal break structures and cooling strategies to mitigate heat stress during a Rugby League match simulation.

Objectives: To examine, 1) optimal structure of break periods to mitigate physiological heat strain during rugby league play (Stage 1); and ii) effectiveness of three different cooling strategies applied during breaks (Stage 2).

Design: Counter-balanced crossover design.

Methods: In 37 °C, 50% RH, 11 males completed six simulated 80-min (two 40-min halves) rugby league matches on a treadmill with different break structures: regular game (RG) (12-min halftime), 1-min or 3-min "quarter-time" breaks halfway through each half with a 12-min halftime break (R1C and R3C), a 20-min halftime break (EH), or 1-min or 3-min quarter-time breaks with a 20-min halftime break (E1C and E3C) [Stage 1].

Brief in-play cooling breaks reduce thermal strain during football in hot conditions.

Objectives: The study examined if three feasible strategies involving additional in-play cooling periods attenuate the core (rectal) temperature rise during simulated football matches.

Design: Four counterbalanced experimental trials in an environmental chamber set to 35 °C ambient temperature, 55% relative humidity, and 30 °C WBGT.

Methods: Twelve healthy well-trained football players completed a regular simulated match (REG), regular simulated match with additional 3-min cooling periods at the 30-min mark of each half inclusive of chilled water consumption (COOL), regular simulated match with additional 3-min cooling periods at the 30-min mark of each half inclusive of chilled water consumption and the application of an ice towel around the neck (COOL), regular simulated match with an extended (+5 min; total of 20-min) half-time break (HT).

Optimal cooling strategies for players in Australian Tennis Open conditions.

Objectives: We compared the utility of four cooling interventions for reducing heat strain during simulated tennis match-play in an environment representative of the peak conditions possible at the Australian Open (45°C, <10% RH, 475W/m solar radiation).

Design: Nine trained males undertook four trials in a climate chamber, each time completing 4 sets of simulated match-play.

Methods: During ITF-mandated breaks (90-s between odd-numbered games; 120-s between sets), either iced towels (ICE), an electric fan (FAN), a fan with moisture applied to the skin (FAN), or ad libitum 10°C water ingestion only (CON) was administered.

In-Play Cooling Interventions for Simulated Match-Play Tennis in Hot/Humid Conditions.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of different in-play cooling strategies for mitigating heat strain during simulated tennis match-play activity in a hot/humid environment representing the most extreme conditions during the US Open (36°C, 50% relative humidity).

Methods: On three occasions, nine males completed an intermittent treadmill protocol with an exercise intensity and activity profile simulating a four-set tennis match, with 90-s breaks between odd-numbered games and 120-s breaks between sets, according to International Tennis Federation rules. During breaks, 1) the currently used cooling strategy-an ice-filled damp towel around the neck and a cold-damp towel on the head and thighs (ICE); 2) wetting of arms, neck, face, and lower legs with a sponge in front of an electric fan (FANwet); or 3) no cooling (CON) were applied.