1. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Chapter 9: Understanding the Potential Dangers of Adverse Environmental Conditions

2. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Environmental stress can adversely impact an athlete’s performance and pose serious health threats Areas of concern –Hyperthermia –Hypothermia –Lightening storms –Over exposure to the sun

3. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Hyperthermia Athletic trainers require knowledge and information concerning temperature, humidity and weather to adequately make decisions regarding environmental dangers Has caused a number of deaths over the years Must manage heat stress appropriately Hyperthermia = increase in body temperature

4. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. An individual does not have to be in the south to experience a heat-related illness Anyone that supervises athletes practicing and competing must realize that heat and humidity impact every geographic region of the United States Imperative to be able to recognize signs and symptoms associated with heat- related illnesses and to be able to manage them appropriately

5. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Heat Stress Extreme caution should be used when training in the heat (overexposure could result heat stress) It is preventable Athletes that train under these extreme conditions are at risk Physiologically the body will continue to function if body temperature is maintained Body must dissipate heat to maintain homeostasis

6. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Heat can be dissipated from the body through 4 mechanisms –Conduction (direct contact) –Convection ( contact with cool air or water mass) –Radiation (heat generated from metabolism) –Evaporation (sweat evaporating from the skin) Majority of body heat is dissipated through evaporation –* Heat can also be gained via these four mechanisms

7. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Evaporative Heat Loss –Sweat glands allow water transport to surface –Evaporation of water takes heat with it –When radiant heat and environment temperature are higher than body temperature, loss of heat through evaporation is key –Lose 1 quart of water per hour for up to 2 hours –Air must be relatively water free for evaporation to occur relative humidity of 65% impairs evaporation relative humidity of 75% stops evaporation –Heat illness can still occur in cold environment if body is unable to dissipate heat Caused by dehydration and inability to sweat

8. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Monitoring Heat Index Heat, sunshine and humidity must be monitored closely –Takes into account ambient air temperature and relative humidity –Attempts to determine how hot it feels to the body Wet bulb globe temperature index (WBGT) provides objective measure for determining precautions concerning participation in hot

9. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

10. –WGBT incorporates different thermometer readings Dry bulb (standard mercury temperature) Wet bulb (thermometer with wet gauze that is swung around in air) Black bulb (black casing that measures radiant heat) Formula yields WBGT index –DBT and WBT can be measured with psychrometer (combines both thermometers) Wet bulb will be lower due to evaporation of water Drier air = greater depression of wet bulb temperature due to evaporation

11. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. –Ventilation is provided by whirling thermometer (sling psychrometer) or suction fan (aspiration psychrometer) –Newer models utilize digital sensors

12. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

13. Heat Illnesses Heat Syncope (heat collapse) –Associated with rapid fatigue and overexposure, standing in heat for long periods of time –Caused by peripheral vasodilation, or pooling of blood in extremities resulting in dizziness and fainting –Treat by placing athlete in cool environment, consuming fluids and laying down

14. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Exertional Heat Cramps –Painful muscle spasms (calf, abdominal) due to excessive water loss and electrolyte imbalance –Occurs in individual in good shape that overexert themselves –Treatment Prevent by consuming extra fluids and maintaining electrolyte balance Treat with fluid ingestion, light stretching with ice massage Return to play unlikely due to continued cramping

15. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Exertional Heat Exhaustion –Result of inadequate fluid replacement –Will exhibit signs of profuse sweating, pale skin, mildly elevated temperature, dizziness, hyperventilation and rapid pulse –May develop heat cramps or become faint/dizzy –Core temperature will be ~102 o Critical to obtain accurate core temperature –Performance may decrease –Immediate treatment includes fluid ingestion (intravenous replacement, ultimately), place in cool environment

16. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Exertional Heatstroke –Serious life-threatening condition, with unknown specific cause –Characterized by sudden onset - sudden collapse, LOC, flushed hot skin, minimal sweating, shallow breathing, strong rapid pulse, and core temperature of > 104 o F –Temperature must be lowered within 45 min. –Drastic measures must be taken to cool athlete Strip clothing Sponge with cool water Do not immerse in water Transport to hospital immediately

17. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Exertional Hyponatremia –Fluid/electrolyte disorder resulting in abnormally low concentration of sodium in blood –Caused by ingesting too much fluid before, during and after exercise –May be result of too little sodium in diet or in ingested fluids over a period of prolonged exercise –Athletes that ingest large quantities of water and sweat over several hours are at risk (marathon, triathlon) –Preventable – must maintain balance

18. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Preventing Heat Illness Must exercise common sense and precaution –Consume fluids and stay cool Fluid and Electrolyte Replacement –Single most important step taken by a coach to minimize the chance of heat illnesses –Continual re-hydration is critically important –Generally only 50% of fluid is ever replaced and should therefore be replaced before, during and after exercise

19. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. –Fluid replacement should match sweat loss Most effectively replaced at regular intervals (15 min.) –Time of stomach emptying is critical Water is absorbed rapidly from intestine Drink with 6% CHO is eliminated at the same rate if the individual is hydrated Cold drinks tend to empty rapidly and will not induce cramping or put heart at risk Drinks with caffeine and alcohol will promote dehydration –Hydration levels can be monitored via urine color and volume Appropriate hydration = clear urine at normal or above-normal output level 60 minutes following exercise

20. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Using Sports Drinks –More effective than just replacing fluids with water –Flavoring results in increased desire to consume –Replaces fluids and electrolytes –Water alone can prematurely stop thirst response and initiate fluid removal by kidneys –Small amounts of sodium help in retention of water –Different drinks have different nutrient levels –Optimal CHO level is 14g per 8 ounces of water –More CHO results in slower absorption –Effective for both short term and endurance activities

21. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Gradual Acclimatization –Most effective method of avoiding heat stress –Involves becoming accustomed to heat and exercising in heat –Early pre-season training and graded intensity changes are recommended with progressive exposure over 7-10 day period –80% of acclimatization can be achieved during first 5-6 days with 2 hour morning and afternoon practice sessions

22. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Identifying Susceptible Individuals –Athletes with large muscle mass –Overweight athletes are at an increased risk Related to proportionality of metabolic heat production to surface area –Athlete with increased fluid loss –While slight differences exist, precautionary measures apply to both males and females –Athletes consuming medications or supplements may have impaired sweating and may predispose them to injury –Athletes with poor fitness levels, a history of heat-related illnesses or anyone with febrile conditions are at increased risk

23. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Uniform Selection –Base on temperature and humidity –Dress for the weather and temperature –Avoid rubberized suits Weight Records –Keep track of before and after measures for first two weeks –If increase in temperature and humidity occurs during the season, weights should again be recorded –A loss of 3-5% = reduced blood volume and could be a health threat

24. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Hypothermia Cold weather vs. nature of particular sport Most activity allows for adequate heat production (increased metabolism) and dissipation, allowing for sufficient functioning Impact on warm-up and “down time” Temperature in conjunction with wind chill and dampness or wetness can increase chances of hypothermia

25. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. With muscular fatigue, in cold weather, rate of exercise begins to drop and rate of heat loss relative to heat production may shift –Results in impaired neuromuscular responses and exhaustion Drop in core stimulates shivering but stops after temp. drops below 85-90 o F Death is imminent when temp falls below 77-85 o F.

26. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Cold Disorders Fluid replacement is critical even under colder environmental conditions –Dehydration = decreased blood volume = less fluid available for tissue warming May be useful to monitor weight of athletes training in cold temperatures While less common, injury/illness due to the cold still occur, particularly in endurance type activities, winter sports and swimming in cold water

27. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Frost nip –Involves, ears, nose, chin, fingers, and toes –Occurs with high wind and/or severe cold –Skin appears firm with cold painless areas that may peel and blister (24-72 hours) –Treat with firm pressure, blowing warm air or hands in armpits (if fingers involved) –Do not rub

28. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Frostbite –Superficial Frostbite involves only skin and subcutaneous tissue Appears pale, hard, cold and waxy When re-warming the area will feel numb, then sting and burn It may blister and be painful for several weeks –Deep Frostbite indicates frozen skin requiring hospitalization Rapid re-warming is necessary (100-110 o F) Tissue will become blotchy red, swollen, painful and may become gangrenous

29. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.

30. Prevention –Apparel geared for weather to provide semitropical microclimate for body and prevent chilling –Waterproof and windproof fabrics that allow passage of heat and sweat and allow movement –Layers and adjusting them are key to maintaining body temperature (during period of (in)activity) –Inadequate clothing, improper warm-up and chill factor can lead to injury, frostbite, and/or minor respiratory problems

31. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Overexposure to Sun Precautions must be taken to protect athletes, coaches, athletic trainers and support staff Long Term Effects on Skin –Premature aging and skin cancer due to ultraviolet exposure –Premature aging is characterized by dryness, cracking and inelasticity of the skin –Skin cancer is the most common malignant tumor found in humans

32. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Using Sunscreen –Can help prevent damaging effects of UV radiation –Sunscreen effectiveness is expressed as SPF (sun protection factor) Indicates how many times longer an individual can be exposed to the sun with vs. without sunscreen before skin turns red. Greater the susceptibility the higher the SPF should be used –Should be worn by athletes, coaches and athletic trainers who are outside a considerable amount, and/or have fair complexion, light hair, blue eyes or skin that burns easily

33. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. –Sunscreen use is at its highest March - November but should be used year round (particularly between the hours of 10am- 4pm) –It should be applied 15-30 minutes before exposure and re-applied after exposure to water, excess sweating, rubbing skin with clothing or a towel

34. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Safety in Lightening and Thunderstorms #2 cause of death by weather phenomena NATA has established position statement due to number of athletes and coaches potentially exposed to lightening scenarios Emergency action plans must be set for this type of event –Involving chain of command, monitoring of weather service, decision making regarding removal and return to field

35. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. In the event of a storm, shelter indoors should be obtained Other guidelines –Avoid large trees, flag/light poles, standing water, telephones, pools, showers, and metal objects (bleachers, equipment, umbrellas) –Last resorts find car, ravine, ditch or valley for safety –If hair stands up on hand you are in imminent danger and should get down on the ground but not flat as that increases surface area

36. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Additional Guidelines –Lightening is generally accompanied by thunder (except 20-40% of the time due to atmospheric disturbances) –Flash-to-bang methods estimates distance away for the storm From time lightening is sighted to the clap of thunder count, divide by 5 to calculate the number of mile away Count of 30 indicates inherent danger Count of 15 seconds everyone should leave the field

37. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. –NATA and National Weather Service recommend returning to the field 30 minutes following the last clap of thunder or lightening strike –Major misconception is that lightening that is seen striking is coming down In actuality it is the return stroke of the lightening going back up after it has already hit the ground

38. © 2010 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved. Lightening Detectors –Hand-held instrument with electronic system to detect presence and distance of lightening/thunderstorm activity (w/in 40 miles) –Can determine level of activity and direction of movement –Provides audible and visual warning signals –Inexpensive alternative to contracting weather services