Reducing the risk of heat-related decrements to physical activity in young people

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to highlight differences in thermoregulatory responses during activity of children and adolescents compared with adults. Some differences are due to movement inefficiency and physical size such as body surface area to body mass ratio, and body composition. Identified physiological differences in sweat rates appear to alter with maturation, at least in boys, but the research remains incomplete. A number of findings from hydration studies with young people exercising in the heat are also discussed. The research on clothing is adult-based, but key concepts from this research also apply to children. The final section addresses the limited research on acclimatization of children to hot conditions. Specific recommendations for children who are active in the heat conclude this review. © 2006 Sports Medicine Australia.