Physiological Responses and Physical Performance during Football in the Heat

Magni Mohr, Lars Nybo, Justin Grantham, Sebastien Racinais

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

187 Citations (Scopus)
9 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose
To examine the impact of hot ambient conditions on physical performance and physiological responses during football match-play.

Methods
Two experimental games were completed in temperate (∼21°C; CON) and hot ambient conditions (∼43°C; HOT). Physical performance was assessed by match analysis in 17 male elite players during the games and a repeated sprint test was conducted after the two game trials. Core and muscle temperature were measured and blood samples were obtained, before and after the games.

Results
Muscle and core temperatures were ∼1°C higher (P14 km⋅h−1) by 26% in HOT compared to CON), but peak sprint speed was 4% higher (P24 km⋅h−1) between CON and HOT. In HOT, success rates for passes and crosses were 8 and 9% higher (P
Conclusion
Total game distance and especially high intensity running were lower during a football game in the heat, but these changes were not directly related to the absolute or relative changes in core or muscle temperature. However, peak sprinting speed and execution of successful passes and crosses were improved in the HOT condition.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e39202
JournalPloS one
Volume7
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jun 2012

Keywords

  • hot ambient conditions
  • physical performance
  • physiological responses
  • football

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