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Human Heat Physiology

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Sport and Physical Activity in the Heat

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to summarize the efferent physiological responses to heat stress—increased skin blood flow and sweating—that are necessary during sport and physical activity to maintain temperature homeostasis and thus prevent a heat-related injury. These responses facilitate heat loss so heat storage, and an accompanying increase in core temperature, is moderated. Accordingly, human heat balance is discussed along with the primary mechanisms controlling human thermoregulation during exercise heat stress. Also covered are the substantial challenges faced by the cardiovascular system as a consequence of supporting high skin blood flow and sweating.

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Abbreviations

C :

Rate of heat loss via convection

E :

Rate of heat loss via evaporation

HR:

Heart rate

K :

Rate of heat loss via conduction

M :

Metabolic rate

(M − W):

Metabolic heat production

R :

Rate of heat loss via radiation

S :

Rate of heat storage

V.O2max :

Rate of maximal oxygen uptake

W :

External work

WBGT:

Wet bulb globe temperature

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

    Jonathan E. Wingo PhD, FACSM (KSI Medical & Science Advisory Board Member)

  2. Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA

    Craig G. Crandall PhD, FACSM

  3. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA

    Craig G. Crandall PhD, FACSM

  4. Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Glen P. Kenny PhD, FCAHS (KSI Medical & Science Advisory Board Member)

Authors
  1. Jonathan E. Wingo PhD, FACSM
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  2. Craig G. Crandall PhD, FACSM
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  3. Glen P. Kenny PhD, FCAHS
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jonathan E. Wingo PhD, FACSM .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology Director, Athletic Training Education Research Associate, Human Performance Laboratory College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA

    Douglas J. Casa

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Wingo, J.E., Crandall, C.G., Kenny, G.P. (2018). Human Heat Physiology. In: Casa, D. (eds) Sport and Physical Activity in the Heat. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70217-9_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70217-9_2

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