scholarly journals Identifying the need for locally-observed wet bulb globe temperature across outdoor athletic venues for current and future climates in a desert environment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haven Guyer ◽  
Matei Georgescu ◽  
David M Hondula ◽  
Floris Wardenaar ◽  
Jennifer Vanos
Keyword(s):  
Climate Projections ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Local Cooling ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Exertional Heat Illness ◽  
Cooling Design ◽  
Weather Stations ◽  
Globe Temperature ◽  
Sports Venues ◽  
Projected Changes

Abstract Exertional heat illness and stroke are serious concerns across youth and college sports programs. While some teams and governing bodies have adopted the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), few practitioners use measurements on the field of play; rather, they often rely on regionally modeled or estimated WBGT. However, urban development-induced heat and projected climate change increase exposure to heat. We examined WBGT levels between various athletic surfaces and regional weather stations under current and projected climates and in hot-humid and hot-dry weather regimes in the southwest U.S. in Tempe, Arizona. On-site sun-exposed WBGT data across five days (07:00–19:00 local time) in June (dry) and August (humid) were collected over five athletic surfaces: rubber, artificial turf, clay, grass, and asphalt. Weather stations data were used to estimate regional WBGT (via the Liljegren model) and compared to on-site, observed WBGT. Finally, projected changes to WBGT were modeled under mid-century and late-century conditions. On-field WBGT observations were, on average, significantly higher than WBGT estimated from regional weather stations by 2.4°C–2.5°C, with mean on-field WBGT across both months of 28.52.76°C (versus 25.83.21°C regionally). However, between-athletic surface WBGT differences were largely insignificant. Significantly higher mean WBGTs occurred in August (30.12.35°C) versus June (26.92.19°C) across all venues; August conditions reached ‘limit activity’ or ‘cancellation’ thresholds for 6–8 hours and 2–4 hours of the day, respectively, for all sports venues. Climate projections show increased WBGTs across measurement locations, dependent on projection and period, with average August WBGT under the highest representative concentration pathway causing all-day activity cancellations. Practitioners are encouraged to use WBGT devices within the vicinity of the fields of play, yet should not rely on weather station estimations without corrections used. Heat concerns are expected to increase in the future, underlining the need for athlete monitoring, local cooling design strategies, and heat adaptation for safety.

scholarly journals Exertional Heat Illness in American Football Players: When Is the Risk Greatest?

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 593-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Earl R. Cooper ◽  
Michael S. Ferrara ◽  
Douglas J. Casa ◽  
John W. Powell ◽  
Steven P. Broglio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
The United States ◽  
American Football ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Heat Illness ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Exertional Heat Illness ◽  
Globe Temperature

Context: Knowledge about the specific environmental and practice risks to participants in American intercollegiate football during preseason practices is limited. Identifying risks may mitigate occurrences of exertional heat illness (EHI). Objective: To evaluate the associations among preseason practice day, session number, and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and the incidence of EHI. Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting: Sixty colleges and universities representing 5 geographic regions of the United States. Patients or Other Participants: National Collegiate Athletic Association football players. Main Outcome Measure(s): Data related to preseason practice day, session number, and WBGT. We measured WBGT every 15 minutes during the practice sessions and used the mean WBGT from each session in the analysis. We recorded the incidence of EHIs and calculated the athlete-exposures (AEs). Results: A total of 553 EHI cases and 365 810 AEs were reported for an overall EHI rate of 1.52/1000 AEs (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42, 1.68). Approximately 74% (n = 407) of the reported EHI cases were exertional heat cramps (incidence rate = 1.14/1000 AEs; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.25), and about 26% (n = 146) were a combination of exertional heat syncope and heat exhaustion (incidence rate = 0.40/1000 AEs; 95% CI = 0.35, 0.48). The highest rate of EHI occurred during the first 14 days of the preseason period, and the greatest risk was during the first 7 days. The risk of EHI increased substantially when the WBGT was 82.0°F (27.8°C) or greater. Conclusions: We found an increased rate of EHI during the first 14 days of practice, especially during the first 7 days. When the WBGT was greater than 82.0°F (27.8°C), the rate of EHI increased. Sports medicine personnel should take all necessary preventive measures to reduce the EHI risk during the first 14 days of practice and when the environmental conditions are greater than 82.0°F (27.8°C) WBGT.

Collegiate Marching Band Artists Experience High Core Body Temperatures during Rehearsals and Performances

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (preprint) ◽  
pp. 0000-0000
Author(s):  
Dawn M. Emerson ◽  
Toni M. Torres-McGehee ◽  
Susan W. Yeargin ◽  
Melani R. Kelly ◽  
Nancy Uriegas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sweat Rate ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Urine Specific Gravity ◽  
Marching Band ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Exertional Heat Illness ◽  
Globe Temperature ◽  
Hydration Characteristics

Abstract Context: No research has investigated thermoregulatory responses and exertional heat illness (EHI) risk factors in marching band (MB) artists performing physical activity in high environmental temperatures. Objective: Examine core temperature (Tc) and EHI risk factors in MB artists. Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting: Three rehearsals and 2 football games for 2 NCAA Division I MBs. Participants: Nineteen volunteers completed the study (female = 13, males = 6; age = 20.5 ± 0.9 years; weight = 75.0 ± 19.1 kg; height = 165.1 ± 7.1 cm). Main Outcome Measures: We measured Tc pre-, post-, and every 15 minutes during activity and recorded wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and relative humidity (RH) every 15 minutes. Other variables included activity time and intensity, ground surface, hydration characteristics (fluid volume, sweat rate, urine specific gravity, percent body mass loss [%BM]), and medical history (eg, previous EHI, medications). Statistical analysis included descriptives (mean ± standard deviation), comparative analyses determined differences within and between days, and linear regression identified variables that significantly explained Tc. Results: Mean rehearsal time = 102.8 ± 19.8 minutes and game time = 260.5 ± 47.7 minutes. Max game Tc (39.1 ± 1.1°C) was significantly higher than rehearsal (38.4 ± 0.7°C, P = .003). The highest max game Tc = 41.2°C. Participants consumed significantly more fluid than their sweat rates (P < .003), which minimized %BM loss, particularly during rehearsals (−0.4 ± 0.6%). Mean game %BM loss = −0.9 ± 2.0%; however, 63.6% of the time, participants reported hypohydrated to game day. Max Tc was significantly predicted by max WBGT, max RH, ground surface, using mental health medications, and hours of sleep (adjusted R2 = 0.542, P < .001). Conclusions: Marching band artists experience high Tc during activity and should have access to athletic trainers who can implement EHI prevention and management strategies.

Can a local weather station be used in place of on-site measurements for heat stress assessment in a sports setting?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia Cahill ◽  
Andrew Grundstein ◽  
Christian Walker ◽  
Earl Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Subtropical Climate ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Playing Field ◽  
Weather Stations ◽  
Globe Temperature ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Local Weather

<p>Across the globe, exposure to environmental heat stress may impose increased health and safety hazards to active populations such as athletes and workers. Monitoring heat stress is a key component of a well-designed heat mitigation policy. Yet, the cost of several hand-held heat stress sensors may pose a financial barrier for use in many circumstances. Numerous areas, however, have existing networks of weather stations that could potentially be incorporated into monitoring heat stress. Currently, the Japanese Ministry of the Environment has set up a network of weather stations across the city to monitor environmental conditions in preparation of the 2021 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games. Our research question asks how representative are the values recorded at local weather stations (often located over a natural surface) to playing field conditions with various surfaces and microclimate conditions. In the U.S. the WeatherSTEM network has over 600 stations scattered across the country and measures a suite of variables relevant to heat stress including air temperature, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation and models the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) values. This study will compare measurements from a local WeatherSTEM station with on-site measurements taken over three different playing surfaces (grass, synthetic turf, and hardcourt tennis) in a humid subtropical climate in Athens, Georgia. U.S. It will also compare WBGT values computed using different models. Our results may provide insight not only for sports but also for the workplace which take place over various surface types and environments.</p>

scholarly journals Variations in Athlete Heat-Loss Potential Between Hot-Dry and Warm-Humid Environments at Equivalent Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Thresholds

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Vanos ◽  
Andrew Grundstein
Keyword(s):  
Heat Loss ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Evaporative Cooling ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Maximum Heat ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Stressful Environment ◽  
Weather Stations ◽  
Globe Temperature

Context: Many organizations associated with sports medicine recommend using wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT)-based activity-modification guidelines that are uniform across the country. However, there is no consideration about whether the WBGT thresholds are appropriate for different weather conditions, such as warm-humid (WH) relative to hot-dry (HD), given known differences in physiological responses to these environments.Objective: To identify if regions with drier conditions and greater evaporative cooling potential should consider using WBGT activity-modification thresholds that are different from those with more humid weather.Design: Observational study.Setting: Weather stations across the contiguous United States.Main Outcome Measure(s): A 15-year hourly WBGT dataset from 217 weather stations across the contiguous United States was used to identify particular combinations of globe temperature, wet-bulb temperature, and air temperature that produce WBGTs of 27.9°C, 30.1°C, and 32.3°C. A total of 71 302 observations were clustered into HD and WH environmental conditions. From these clusters, maximum heat-loss potential and heat-flux values were modeled at equivalent WBGT thresholds with various activity levels, clothing, and equipment configurations.Results: We identified strong geographic patterns, with HD conditions predominant in the western half and WH conditions predominant in the eastern half of the country. Heat loss was systematically greater in HD than in WH conditions, indicating an overall less stressful environment even at equivalent WBGT values. At a WBGT of 32.3°C, this difference was 11 W∙m−2 at an activity velocity of 0.3 m∙s−1, which doubled for an activity velocity of 0.7 m∙s−1. The HD and WH difference increased with WBGT value, demonstrating that evaporative cooling differences between HD and WH conditions were even greater at a higher, rather than lower, WBGT.Conclusions: The potential heat loss was consistently greater in HD than WH environments despite equal WBGTs. These findings support the need for further clinical studies to determine the appropriate WBGT thresholds based on environment and physiological limits to maximize safety, yet also avoid unnecessary limitations.

scholarly journals Core Temperature Responses in Elite Cricket Players during Australian Summer Conditions

Sports ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 164
Author(s):  
Sharon Stay ◽  
Michelle Cort ◽  
David Ward ◽  
Alex Kountouris ◽  
John Orchard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Core Temperature ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Exertional Heat Illness ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Globe Temperature ◽  
Temperature Responses ◽  
Breaks In Play ◽  
Australian Summer

This study aimed to observe core temperature responses in elite cricket players under match conditions during the summer in Australia. Thirty-eight Australian male cricketers ingested capsule temperature sensors during six four-day first-class matches between February 2016 and March 2017. Core temperature (Tc) was recorded during breaks in play. Batters showed an increase in Tc related to time spent batting of approximately 1 °C per two hours of play (p < 0.001). Increases in rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in batters correlated with smaller elevations in Tc (0.2 °C per one unit of elevation in RPE) (p < 0.001). Significant, but clinically trivial, increases in Tc of batters were found related to the day of play, wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), air temperature, and humidity. A trivial increase in Tc (p < 0.001) was associated with time in the field and RPE when fielding. There was no association between Tc and WBGT, air temperature, humidity, or day of play in fielders. This study demonstrates that batters have greater rises in Tc than other cricket participants, and may have an increased risk of exertional heat illness, despite exposure to similar environmental conditions.

Exertional heat illness and acute injury related to ambient wet bulb globe temperature

2016 ◽  
Vol 59 (12) ◽  
pp. 1169-1176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ximena P. Garzon-Villalba ◽  
Alfred Mbah ◽  
Yougui Wu ◽  
Michael Hiles ◽  
Hanna Moore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Injury ◽  
Heat Illness ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Exertional Heat Illness ◽  
Globe Temperature

scholarly journals Heat Stress Management in the Military: Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Offsets for Modern Body Armor Systems

2021 ◽  
pp. 001872082110052
Author(s):  
Andrew P. Hunt ◽  
Adam W. Potter ◽  
Denise M. Linnane ◽  
Xiaojiang Xu ◽  
Mark J. Patterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Core Temperature ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Body Armor ◽  
Body Core Temperature ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Exertional Heat Illness ◽  
Ballistic Protection ◽  
Body Core ◽  
Heavy Work ◽  
Globe Temperature

Objective The aim of this study was to model the effect of body armor coverage on body core temperature elevation and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) offset. Background Heat stress is a critical factor influencing the health and safety of military populations. Work duration limits can be imposed to mitigate the risk of exertional heat illness and are derived based on the environmental conditions (WBGT). Traditionally a 3°C offset to WBGT is recommended when wearing body armor; however, modern body armor systems provide a range of coverage options, which may influence thermal strain imposed on the wearer. Method The biophysical properties of four military clothing ensembles of increasing ballistic protection coverage were measured on a heated sweating manikin in accordance with standard international criteria. Body core temperature elevation during light, moderate, and heavy work was modeled in environmental conditions from 16°C to 34°C WBGT using the heat strain decision aid. Results Increasing ballistic protection resulted in shorter work durations to reach a critical core temperature limit of 38.5°C. Environmental conditions, armor coverage, and work intensity had a significant influence on WBGT offset. Conclusion Contrary to the traditional recommendation, the required WBGT offset was >3°C in temperate conditions (<27°C WBGT), particularly for moderate and heavy work. In contrast, a lower WBGT offset could be applied during light work and moderate work in low levels of coverage. Application Correct WBGT offsets are important for enabling adequate risk management strategies for mitigating risks of exertional heat illness.

scholarly journals Reply to “Comment on Fitria et al. ‘Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in West Javanese Rice Farmers, Indonesia’ Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2020, 17, 4521”

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 7273
Author(s):  
Laila Fitria ◽  
Nurhayati Adnan Prihartono ◽  
Doni Hikmat Ramdhan ◽  
Susan Woskie
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Heat Index ◽  
Unknown Etiology ◽  
Measured Temperature ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Average Heat ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Weather Stations ◽  
Globe Temperature

Examining the WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) profiles in the two study locations was intended to show temperature differences during the week of the study. Information obtained from the weather stations that provide contextual long-term information on heat and humidity also showed temperature differences. The average measured temperature and humidity in the past year from each of these weather stations show an average heat index of 22 °C in Bogor and an average heat index of 32 °C in Karawang. Interpretation of the chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) findings was more complicated because we also found that farmers in our two locations reported differences in the use of mechanization in their farming, presumably impacting their workloads.

scholarly journals Variations in Athlete Heat-Loss Potential Between Hot-Dry and Warm-Humid Environments at Equivalent Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Thresholds

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (11) ◽  
pp. 1190-1198
Author(s):  
Jennifer K. Vanos ◽  
Andrew J. Grundstein
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Heat Loss ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Evaporative Cooling ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Maximum Heat ◽  
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature ◽  
Stressful Environment ◽  
Weather Stations ◽  
Globe Temperature

Context Many organizations associated with sports medicine recommend using wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT)-based activity-modification guidelines that are uniform across the country. However, no consideration has been given to whether the WBGT thresholds are appropriate for different weather conditions, such as warm-humid (WH) relative to hot-dry (HD), based on known differences in physiological responses to these environments. Objective To identify if personnel in regions with drier conditions and greater evaporative cooling potential should consider using WBGT-based activity-modification thresholds that differ from those in more humid weather. Design Observational study. Setting Weather stations across the contiguous United States. Main Outcome Measure(s) A 15-year hourly WBGT dataset from 217 weather stations across the contiguous United States was used to identify particular combinations of globe temperature, wet-bulb temperature, and air temperature that produce WBGTs of 27.9°C, 30.1°C, and 32.3°C. A total of 71 302 observations were clustered into HD and WH environmental conditions. From these clusters, maximum heat-loss potential and heat-flux values were modeled at equivalent WBGT thresholds with various activity levels, clothing, and equipment configurations. Results We identified strong geographic patterns, with HD conditions predominant in the western half and WH conditions predominant in the eastern half of the country. Heat loss was systematically greater in HD than in WH conditions, indicating an overall less stressful environment, even at equivalent WBGT values. At a WBGT of 32.3°C, this difference was 11 W·m−2 at an activity velocity of 0.3 m·s−1, which doubled for an activity velocity of 0.7 m·s−1. The HD and WH difference increased with the WBGT value, demonstrating that evaporative cooling differences between HD and WH conditions were even greater at a higher, rather than lower, WBGT. Conclusions Potential heat loss was consistently greater in HD than in WH environments despite equal WBGTs. These findings support the need for further clinical studies to determine the appropriate WBGT thresholds based on environmental and physiological limits to maximize safety while avoiding unnecessary limitations.

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