Clinical trial NCT06084494: Validation of Heat Stress Limit Values for the Athletic Performance
Official title: An Experimental Investigation of Physiological Responses in Semiprofessional Athletes: Comparing the Impact of Climatic Conditions, Physical Activity, and Gender
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Physiological Stress
Heat Stress
Sports Injury
Heat Stress, Exertional
Keywords: Heat Stress
Physiological Responses
WBGT
PHS
Lead sponsor: University of the Punjab
Sponsor class: OTHER
Collaborators: name: Lund University
First posted: 2023-10-16
Enrollment: 6
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 22
Maximum age (years): 27
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: FACTORIAL
Intervention model description: A wet Bulb Globe temperature (WBGT) level of 28 °C was simulated, and the temperature within the climatic chamber was set at 40 °C and 31 °C at relative humidity levels of 20% and 70%, respectively. Four test conditions were designed and subjects ran at 8 km/h and walked at 5 km/h for up to 70 minutes.
Primary purpose: PREVENTION

Brief summary: Three male and three female semi-professional athletes, ranging in age from 22 to 27, participated in a study that was done at Lund University in Sweden to examine their physiological responses. The temperature and relative humidity were adjusted at 40 degrees Celsius for hot, dry conditions and 31 degrees Celsius for hot, wet conditions, respectively. The participants were instructed to engage in physical activity on a treadmill within the chamber for 70 minutes, or until participants were able to continue their exercise without difficulty within the allotted period. Participants were instructed to walk (5 kph) and run (8 kph). Participants pulse rate, breathing rate, oxygen consumption, and subjective reactions were all recorded.

On the basis of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a heat stress index, the American College of Sports Medicine has made certain suggestions. The technique used to determine the temperature on a Celsius scale took into account the influences of relative humidity, air temperature, wind, and direct sunlight radiation. The American College of Sports Medicine advises delaying athletic competition when the WBGT is above 28 degrees. In the climate control chamber, the trials were carried out in high-risk circumstances (28 degrees Celsius WBGT). According to the study's findings, exercise is influenced by weather, and as air temperature rises, so do the intensity of exertion and thermal feeling.

Detailed description: 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.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria

* Semiprofessional aged 22-27 years of both genders.
* Body surface area between 1.5 to 2.5 m2
* Semiprofessional participating in regional competition level, receive monetary compensation for their sports participation, participating in sports activity in the last six year, and skill level.
* Semiprofessional demonstrating a higher level of skill and performance than recreational or amateur participants .

Exclusion Criteria

* Subjects should not have any known heart disease or circulatory disorder.
* No known respiratory disease or heat allergy.
* No habitual smoker or drug user.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Physiological Response
timeFrame: 70 minutes
measure: Physiological Response
timeFrame: 70 minutes
measure: Physiological Response
timeFrame: 70 minutes
measure: Physiological Response
timeFrame: 70 minutes
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Gender-Based Physiological Responses
timeFrame: 70 minutes
measure: Heat Stress Indices
timeFrame: 70 minutes
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Lahore
country: Pakistan
facility: Department of Public Health, University of the Punjab
state: Punjab
Study officials:
References: