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Segreti A, Celeski M, Guerra E, Crispino SP, Vespasiano F, Buzzelli L, Fossati C, Papalia R, Pigozzi F, Grigioni F. Effects of Environmental Conditions on Athlete's Cardiovascular System. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4961. [PMID: 39201103 PMCID: PMC11355938 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity, wind, pollution, altitude, and diving can significantly impact athletes' cardiovascular systems, potentially hindering their performance, particularly in outdoor sports. The urgency of this issue is heightened by the increasing prevalence of climate change and its associated conditions, including fluctuating pollution levels, temperature variations, and the spread of infectious diseases. Despite its critical importance, this topic is often overlooked in sports medicine. This narrative review seeks to address this gap by providing a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation of how athletes respond to environmental stresses. A thorough assessment of current knowledge is essential to better prepare athletes for competition under environmental stress and to minimize the harmful effects of these factors. Specifically, adaptative strategies and preventative measures are vital to mitigating these environmental influences and ensuring athletes' safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Segreti
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy; (M.C.); (S.P.C.); (F.V.); (L.B.); (F.G.)
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro de Bosis, 15, 00135 Roma, Italy; (C.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Mihail Celeski
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy; (M.C.); (S.P.C.); (F.V.); (L.B.); (F.G.)
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Emiliano Guerra
- Cardiology Division, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Simone Pasquale Crispino
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy; (M.C.); (S.P.C.); (F.V.); (L.B.); (F.G.)
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Vespasiano
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy; (M.C.); (S.P.C.); (F.V.); (L.B.); (F.G.)
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Buzzelli
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy; (M.C.); (S.P.C.); (F.V.); (L.B.); (F.G.)
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Fossati
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro de Bosis, 15, 00135 Roma, Italy; (C.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Rocco Papalia
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy;
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Pigozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro de Bosis, 15, 00135 Roma, Italy; (C.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Francesco Grigioni
- Cardiology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy; (M.C.); (S.P.C.); (F.V.); (L.B.); (F.G.)
- Research Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
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Gatterer H, Dünnwald T, Turner R, Csapo R, Schobersberger W, Burtscher M, Faulhaber M, Kennedy MD. Practicing Sport in Cold Environments: Practical Recommendations to Improve Sport Performance and Reduce Negative Health Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9700. [PMID: 34574624 PMCID: PMC8471173 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although not a barrier to perform sport, cold weather environments (low ambient temperature, high wind speeds, and increased precipitation, i.e., rain/water/snow) may influence sport performance. Despite the obvious requirement for practical recommendations and guidelines to better facilitate training and competition in such cold environments, the current scientific evidence-base is lacking. Nonetheless, this review summarizes the current available knowledge specifically related to the physiological impact of cold exposure, in an attempt to provide practitioners and coaches alike with practical recommendations to minimize any potential negative performance effects, mitigate health issues, and best optimize athlete preparation across various sporting disciplines. Herein, the review is split into sections which explore some of the key physiological effects of cold exposure on performance (i.e., endurance exercise capacity and explosive athletic power), potential health issues (short-term and long-term), and what is currently known with regard to best preparation or mitigation strategies considered to negate the potential negative effects of cold on performance. Specific focus is given to "winter" sports that are usually completed in cold environments and practical recommendations for physical preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Gatterer
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
| | - Tobias Dünnwald
- Institute for Sports Medicine, Alpine Medicine and Health Tourism (ISAG), UMIT, Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, 6060 Hall i.T., Tirol, Austria and Tirol-Kliniken GmbH, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (T.D.); (W.S.)
| | - Rachel Turner
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
| | - Robert Csapo
- Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Wolfgang Schobersberger
- Institute for Sports Medicine, Alpine Medicine and Health Tourism (ISAG), UMIT, Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, 6060 Hall i.T., Tirol, Austria and Tirol-Kliniken GmbH, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (T.D.); (W.S.)
- Austrian Society for Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine, 6414 Mieming, Austria; (M.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Austrian Society for Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine, 6414 Mieming, Austria; (M.B.); (M.F.)
- Department of Sport Science, University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Faulhaber
- Austrian Society for Alpine and High-Altitude Medicine, 6414 Mieming, Austria; (M.B.); (M.F.)
- Department of Sport Science, University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael D. Kennedy
- Athlete Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
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Fujimoto T, Fujii N, Dobashi K, Cao Y, Matsutake R, Takayanagi M, Kondo N, Nishiyasu T. Effects of low-intensity exercise on local skin and whole-body thermal sensation in hypothermic young males. Physiol Behav 2021; 240:113531. [PMID: 34280430 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Thermal sensation, a key component of behavioral thermoregulation, is modulated by the changes in both skin and core temperatures. Although cutaneous thermal sensation to local cold is blunted during exercise as compared to rest in normothermic humans, it remains to be determined whether this holds true during core cooling. Furthermore, when local skin thermal sensation is diminished during exercise, it remains unclear whether whole-body thermal sensation is also attenuated. We therefore tested whether low-intensity exercise (VO2: ~1300 ml min-1) attenuates local skin and/or whole-body thermal sensation in hypothermic young males. Eleven healthy young males (24 ± 2 years) were cooled through cold water immersion (18 °C) up to their lower abdomen while resting (rest trial) and during low-intensity cycling (30-60 W, 30 rpm) (exercise trial). Body temperature, cardiorespiratory variables, and whole-body (9-point scale: 0, unbearably cold; 4, neutral; 8, unbearably hot) and local skin thermal sensation were measured at baseline on land and before the esophageal temperature (Tes) began to decrease (defined as -0.0 Tes) and after 0.5 and 1.0 °C decrements in Tes from baseline during the immersion period. Local skin thermal sensation was measured using a thermostimulator with Peltier element that was attached to the chest. The temperature of the probe was initially equilibrated to the chest skin temperature, then gradually decreased at a constant rate (0.1 °C s -1) until the participants felt coolness. The difference between the initial skin temperature and the local skin temperature that felt cool was assessed as an index of local skin thermal sensation. Throughout the immersions, esophageal and mean skin temperatures did not differ between the rest and exercise trials. Local skin thermal sensation also did not differ between the two trials or at any core temperature level. By contrast, the whole-body thermal sensation score was higher (participants felt less cold) in the exercise than in the rest trial at esophageal temperature of -1.0 °C (1.25 ± 0.46 vs. 0.63 ± 0.35 units, P = 0.035). These results suggest that local skin thermal sensation during low-intensity exercise is not affected by a decrease in core temperature. However, whole-body thermal sensation mediated by a decrease in core temperature (-1.0 °C) is blunted by low-intensity exercise during cold water immersion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Fujimoto
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Department of Health and Sports, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan; Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Naoto Fujii
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kohei Dobashi
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yinhang Cao
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Ryoko Matsutake
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Narihiko Kondo
- Laboratory for Applied Human Physiology, Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nishiyasu
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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Procter E, Brugger H, Burtscher M. Accidental hypothermia in recreational activities in the mountains: A narrative review. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2018; 28:2464-2472. [PMID: 30203539 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The popularity of recreational activities in the mountains worldwide has led to an increase in the total number of persons exposed to cold and extreme environments through recreation. There is little conclusive evidence about the risk of hypothermia for specific activities or populations, nor is it clear which activities are represented in the literature. This is a non-systematic review of accidental hypothermia in different recreational activities in the mountains, with a specific focus on outdoor or winter activities that potentially involve cold exposure. Cases of hypothermia have been reported in the literature in mountaineering, trekking, hiking, skiing, activities performed in the backcountry, ultra-endurance events, and databases from search and rescue services that include various types of recreation. Of these activities, hypothermia as a primary illness occurs most commonly during mountaineering in the highest elevation areas in the world and during recreation practiced in more northern or remote areas. Hypothermia in skiers, snowboarders, and glacier-based activities is most often associated with accidents occurring off-piste or in the backcountry (crevasse, avalanche). Organizers of outdoor events also have a role in reducing the incidence of hypothermia through medical screening and other preparedness measures. More complete collection and reporting of data on mild hypothermia and temperature measurement would improve our understanding of the incidence of hypothermia in outdoor recreation in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Procter
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hermann Brugger
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Austrian Society for Alpine and Mountain Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria
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Burtscher M, Gatterer H, Burtscher J, Mairbäurl H. Extreme Terrestrial Environments: Life in Thermal Stress and Hypoxia. A Narrative Review. Front Physiol 2018; 9:572. [PMID: 29867589 PMCID: PMC5964295 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Living, working and exercising in extreme terrestrial environments are challenging tasks even for healthy humans of the modern new age. The issue is not just survival in remote environments but rather the achievement of optimal performance in everyday life, occupation, and sports. Various adaptive biological processes can take place to cope with the specific stressors of extreme terrestrial environments like cold, heat, and hypoxia (high altitude). This review provides an overview of the physiological and morphological aspects of adaptive responses in these environmental stressors at the level of organs, tissues, and cells. Furthermore, adjustments existing in native people living in such extreme conditions on the earth as well as acute adaptive responses in newcomers are discussed. These insights into general adaptability of humans are complemented by outcomes of specific acclimatization/acclimation studies adding important information how to cope appropriately with extreme environmental temperatures and hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Austrian Society for Alpine and Mountain Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hannes Gatterer
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Johannes Burtscher
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Heimo Mairbäurl
- Medical Clinic VII, Sports Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research (DZL/TLRC-H), Heidelberg, Germany
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BONGERS COENCWG, DAANEN HEINAM, BOGERD CORNELISP, HOPMAN MARIATE, EIJSVOGELS THIJSMH. Validity, Reliability, and Inertia of Four Different Temperature Capsule Systems. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2018; 50:169-175. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Kofler P, Burtscher M, Heinrich D, Bottoni G, Caven B, Bechtold T, Teresa Herten A, Hasler M, Faulhaber M, Nachbauer W. Performance limitation and the role of core temperature when wearing light-weight workwear under moderate thermal conditions. J Therm Biol 2014; 47:83-90. [PMID: 25526658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to achieve an understanding about the relationship between heat stress and performance limitation when wearing a two-layerfire-resistant light-weight workwear (full-clothed ensemble) compared to an one-layer short sports gear (semi-clothed ensemble) in an exhaustive, stressful situation under moderate thermal condition (25°C). Ten well trained male subjects performed a strenuous walking protocol with both clothing ensembles until exhaustion occurred in a climatic chamber. Wearing workwear reduced the endurance performance by 10% (p=0.007) and the evaporation by 21% (p=0.003), caused a more pronounced rise in core temperature during submaximal walking (0.7±0.3 vs. 1.2±0.4°C; p≤0.001) and from start till exhaustion (1.4±0.3 vs. 1.8±0.5°C; p=0.008), accelerated sweat loss (13±2 vs. 15±3gmin(-1); p=0.007), and led to a significant higher heart rate at the end of cool down (103±6 vs. 111±7bpm; p=0.004). Correlation analysis revealed that core temperature development during submaximal walking and evaporation may play important roles for endurance performance. However, a critical core temperature of 40°C, which is stated to be a crucial factor for central fatigue and performance limitation, was not reached either with the semi-clothed or the full-clothed ensemble (38.3±0.4 vs. 38.4±0.5°C). Additionally, perceived exertion did not increase to a higher extent parallel with the rising core temperature with workwear which would substantiate the critical core temperature theory. In conclusion, increased heat stress led to cardiovascular exercise limitation rather than central fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Kofler
- University Innsbruck, Department of Sport Science, Fürstenweg 185, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Martin Burtscher
- University Innsbruck, Department of Sport Science, Fürstenweg 185, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Dieter Heinrich
- Centre of Technology of Ski and Alpine Sport, Fürstenweg 185, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Giuliamarta Bottoni
- University Innsbruck, Department of Sport Science, Fürstenweg 185, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Barnaby Caven
- Research Institute for Textile Chemistry and Textile Physics, Höchster Straße 73, A-6850 Dornbirn, Austria.
| | - Thomas Bechtold
- Research Institute for Textile Chemistry and Textile Physics, Höchster Straße 73, A-6850 Dornbirn, Austria.
| | - Anne Teresa Herten
- University Innsbruck, Department of Sport Science, Fürstenweg 185, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Michael Hasler
- Centre of Technology of Ski and Alpine Sport, Fürstenweg 185, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Martin Faulhaber
- University Innsbruck, Department of Sport Science, Fürstenweg 185, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Werner Nachbauer
- University Innsbruck, Department of Sport Science, Fürstenweg 185, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Centre of Technology of Ski and Alpine Sport, Fürstenweg 185, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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