An investigation into environmental variables influencing post-race exertional heat illness in thoroughbred racehorses in temperate eastern Australia.

Exertional heat illness (EHI) is a syndrome that occurs when metabolic heat production from muscular contraction exceeds the rate at which it can be dissipated. Core body temperature rises to critical levels, causing hyperthermia and central nervous system dysfunction. Best practice for the prevention of EHI centres around early detection, rapid response and aggressive cooling.

Diagnosis of Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction in Swimmers: Context Matters.

Unlabelled: Swimmers have a high prevalence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), which may be associated with repeated exposure to chlorinated pool water. The eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH) test is used to diagnose EIB; however, it fails to replicate the environmental conditions experienced by swimmers. The relationship between the composition of the EVH inspired gas and the development of EIB from swim exercise remains unclear.

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.

Occupational heat stress in Australian workplaces.

The aim of this review was to summarize the current state of knowledge on heat stress risk within typical Australian occupational settings. We assessed identified occupations (mining, agriculture, construction, emergency services) for heat production and heat loss potential, and resultant levels of physiological heat strain. A total of 29 reports were identified that assessed in-situ work settings in Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, that measured physiological responses and characterized the thermal environment.

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.