Exertional Heat Illness Jason Kinner Biostats 640 Individual Project

Risk Factors Environment Age Dehydration Pre Activity Hydration High Body Fat Poor Acclimation/Fitness Level Medications Other Illness

Symptoms Muscle spasms/cramps Heavy or profuse sweating Skin Flushed or Pale Headache Dizziness Rapid pulse, nausea, weakness Disoriented Elevated core temperature Cessation of sweating Red, Dry Skin Shallow breathing and rapid pulse Loss of consciousness

Hypothesis Exertional Heat Illness is directly related to extreme heat and poor physical conditioning.

Analysis of Statistics 150 case of illness were reported as suffering from heat illness. According to the statistics 82 cases were identified as exertional heat illness.

Cont’d More than 50% of the cases occurred during the first 7-14 days of practice. Most cases occurred during the summer season, but 30% of the cases occurred during the spring. Exertional Heat Illness was not directly related to the time of day.

Cont’d Many cases occurred during the night or early morning, even under mild heat. 40% of the cases occurred during very short activities 60% occurred during the first 2 hours of activity.

Conclusion The hypothesis here was found to be false based on the statistics presented by “Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise”. The statistics showed that excess body fat contributed directly to heat illness, but there was not sufficient evidence to prove that heat illness was directly related to extreme heat.

Prevention Measures Hydration should be closely monitored Heat Index should be closely monitored Athletes should be introduced to heat through an acclimation period Coaches and Athletic trainers should be appropriately trained to deal with heat illness

Treatment of Heat Illness Submersion in a cool water tub with cool towels placed on the head and neck has been proven to be the most effective method of increasing the mortality rate amongst individuals suffering from heat illness.