The effects of training on heat tolerance

• Main Author: Sparks, Kenneth E.
• Other Authors: Costill, David L.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Physical education and training.; Heat > Physiological effect.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/179851; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/416424

The effects of heat tolerance on exercise performance has been observed by various investigators. The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of heat acclimatization of normally active men and trained competitive swimmers and runners, and to assess the influence of the training on one's ability to tolerate heat. Three groups of men were tested to determine the effects of environmental training on heat tolerance. The men were tested once before training and again after training; a control group was also tested to note any seasonal change. The men were tested on a Monarck bicycle ergometer in a hot (60°C.) dry (6%) environment. The variables measured were heart rates, rectal temperatures, three skin temperatures, and weight loss. It was found in this study that with training, the runners increased significantly their tolerance to heat while the swimmers did not improve significantly. It can be interpreted that running does more for heat acclimatization than does swimming.