Characterizing thermoregulatory demands of female wheelchair basketball players during competition

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the thermoregulatory and cardiovascular responses of WC basketball players during international competitions. Eleven female (7 spinal cord injured (SCI) and 4 Non-SCI) National team WC basketball players volunteered for the study. Testing occurred during a four-game series against the same international competitor (temp 22.1 ± 1.2°C, relative humidity (RH) 55 ± 2%). Hydration habits were monitored and heart rate, skin (SkT) and gastrointestinal (Tc), were recorded. Athletes arrived hydrated for all games (urine specific gravity, 1.014 ± 0.002). Players lost a mean of 0.5 ± 0.1% body mass due to sweat loss and replaced ~69% of fluid losses. SCI athletes played 21 ± 4 min while Non-SCI played 14 ± 6 min. SCI athletes had a mean SkT throughout the game of 35.2 ± 0.2°C and Non-SCI of 36.2 ± 0.2°C. SCI SkT rose a mean of 6.3 ± 1.1°C and Non-SCI 6.8 ± 0.9°C. SCI Tc rose a mean of 1.0 ± 0.2°C and Non-SCI a mean of 0.9 ± 0.4°C. 2/10 players reached a Tc>39°C (SCI athlete class 1, 39.4°C; Non-SCI class 4.5 athlete, 39.5°C). There were differences between players in Tc responses, due to variability in playing time. Monitoring Tc during competition is encouraged to understand competition specific responses and identify athletes at risk of heat-related fatigue.

KEYWORDS:

• Para-sport
• core temperature
• spinal cord injuries
• thermoregulation

Acknowlegdments

The authors would like to thank the elite female athletes who participated in this study along with the WC basketball coaching staff and integrated support team for their time, compliance, and support during this study. As well, the authors would like to thank Own the Podium for funding the project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.