Policy statement - Climatic heat stress and exercising children and adolescents

Teri M. McCambridge*, Joel S. Brenner, Holly J. Benjamin, Charles T. Cappetta, Rebecca A. Demorest, Mark E. Halstead, Chris G. Koutures, Cynthia R. LaBella, Michele Labotz, Keith Loud, Stephanie M. Martin, Amanda Weiss-Kelly, Robert Murray, Cynthia Devore, Mandy Allison, Stephen Barnett, Robert Gunther, Breena Welch Holmes, Jeffrey Lamont, Mark MinierJeffery Okamoto, Lani Wheeler

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

90 Scopus citations

Abstract

Results of new research indicate that, contrary to previous thinking, youth do not have less effective thermoregulatory ability, insufficient cardiovascular capacity, or lower physical exertion tolerance compared with adults during exercise in the heat when adequate hydration is maintained. Accordingly, besides poor hydration status, the primary determinants of reduced performance and exertional heat-illness risk in youth during sports and other physical activities in a hot environment include undue physical exertion, insufficient recovery between repeated exercise bouts or closely scheduled same-day training sessions or rounds of sports competition, and inappropriately wearing clothing, uniforms, and protective equipment that play a role in excessive heat retention. Because these known contributing risk factors are modifiable, exertional heat illness is usually preventable. With appropriate preparation, modifications, and monitoring, most healthy children and adolescents can safely participate in outdoor sports and other physical activities through a wide range of challenging warm to hot climatic conditions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)e741-e747
JournalPediatrics
Volume128
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2011

Keywords

  • Body-temperature regulation
  • Heat stroke
  • Primary prevention
  • Risk management
  • School health
  • Sports medicine
  • Youth sports

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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