Validation of Heat Stress Limit Values for the Athletic Performance

Methodology Experimental research design Study Duration 6 months Study Centres Thermal Environment Laboratory, Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University Main Objectives Objective 1: To examine the physiological responses (skin temperature, core body temperature, body temperature, heart rate, and oxygen uptake) of semi-professional athletes during physical activity in different climatic conditions (hot wet and hot dry) Objective 2: To compare the effects of physical activity intensity (5 km/hr and 8 km/hr) on the physiological responses of semi-professional athletes under varying climatic conditions. Objective 3: To investigate the influence of gender on the physiological responses of semi-professional athletes during physical activity in different climatic conditions. Objective 4: To assess the suitability of the Physiological Heat Strain (PHS) and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index for evaluating heat stress in sports settings based on the findings from semi-professional athletes. No. of Participants Six semiprofessional athletes including three males and three females with a mean age of (24.7 ± 2.1 years) and a body surface area mean of (1.8 ± 0.2 m2) participated in this study. Main Eligibility Criteria Key factors to consider when defining semiprofessionals include participation in regional competition level, receiving monetary compensation for their sports participation, participating in sports activity in the last six years, and skill level. These athletes typically demonstrate a higher level of skill and performance than recreational or amateur participants.