Environmental Conditions. sports training

sports

1. Environmental Conditions

2. Heat Stress Maintenance of normal temperature in a hot environment depends on the ability of the body to dissipate heat. Body temperature can be affected by 5 factors.

3. Heat Stress 5 factors that influence body temperature Metabolic heat production Conductive heat exchange Direct contact with the turf Convective heat exchange Uses a circulating medium like wind or water Radiant heat exchange Radiation from the sun Evaporation heat exchange Sweat evaporates taking large amounts of heat with it.

4. Monitoring the Heat Index Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Dry bulb temperature (DBT) thermometer Wet bulb temperature (WBT) Sling psychrometer Use the WBGT Index (pg. 141) Use a Relative Humidity Index

5. Heat Illnesses Heat Rash (prickly heat) Red raised rash Tingling Heat Syncope Rapid physical fatigue Fainting, nausea caused by pooling of blood in the extremities to try to cool the body off.

6. Heat Illnesses Heat Cramps Painful muscle spasms Usually occur in the calf, hamstrings & abdomen Related to loss of water and electrolytes Treated with water, electrolyte drinks, stretching the muscles, and cooling the body.

7. Heat Illnesses Heat Exhaustion Results from dehydration Dizziness, Collapse Profuse sweating Rapid pulse, Pale skin Elevated temperature (102 deg.) Treatment includes rehydration and sometimes intravenous fluids Cool the athlete as quickly as possible

8. Heat Illnesses Heat Stroke Life threatening emergency due to a breakdown of the thermoregulatory system Core temperature over 106 degrees Loss of consciousness Flushed hot skin, sometimes dry Treatment includes cooling the body off quickly

9. Preventing Heat Illness Gradual acclimatization to conditions Identify susceptible athletes Lightweight uniforms Routine weight record keeping Unrestricted fluid replacement Well balanced diet Monitor hot humid conditions Use common sense

10. Warning Signs of Heat Illness Headache Nausea Mental slowness Incoherence Visual disturbance Fatigue Weakness Unsteadiness Collapse Unconsciousness Vomiting Diarrhea Cramps Seizures Rigidity Weak, rapid pulse Pallor Flush Faintness Chill Cyanotic appearance

11. Hypothermia Causes of a drop in core body temperature Low temperature Wind Wetness Symptoms Exhaustion Impairment in neuromeuscular responses Shivering Death can occur with a core temperature between 77 degrees and 85 degrees

12. Hypothermia Prevention Wear waterproof and windproof fabrics Wear lots of thin layers Proper warm up Maintain hydration

13. Common Cold Injuries Frost Nip Involves ears, nose cheeks, fingers and toes Skin is firm and may blister Treat by warming the area

14. Common Cold Injuries Chillblains Skin redness, swelling, tingling and pains Superficial frost bite Skin appears pale, hard, cold, and waxy When rewarmed will burn and tingle May produce blisters later

15. Common Cold Injuries Deep Frost Bite Involves tissues that are frozen Requires immediate hospitalization Skin is hard, pale or white, and numb Treat by rapidly rewarming the tissue Later the tissue may become gangrenous, causing a loss of tissue.

16. Altitude At high altitudes the athletes oxygen uptake is decreased causing a decrease in performance. The body compensates by increasing the heart rate (tachycardia). Hyperventilation can occur along with increased breathing rate, increased heart rate

17. Altitude Symptoms of Altitude Illness Headache Nausea Vomiting Sleep disturbance Dyspnea Cough weakness

18. Overexposure To Sun Sun exposure should be avoided during competition Sun exposure causes early fatigue and can lead to dehydration Causes skin cancer and skin aging Sun Protection Factor (SPF) SPF 30 sunscreen is advised when participating in outdoor events lasting long durations.

19. Electrical Storms Flash-to-Bang: provides an estimation of how far away the lightning is. Seconds divided by 5 = miles away 30 seconds = closely monitor the conditions 15 seconds = immediately seek shelter

20. Other Environmental Conditions Jet Lag Air Pollution Artificial Turf Wet Conditions Hard Surfaces Others …..