Performance in Extreme Environtments

Measuring Core Body Temperature

• Basic mercury thermometer
• Ear thermometer
• Rectal thermometer
• Esophageal thermometer
• Gastrointestinal radio pill

Hot Environment
37 degree Celsius (normal core temperature)

Heat related:

1. Dehydration
2. Heat exhaustion
3. Heat stroke

As we become more dehydrate less fluid will be absorb. Approximately 2% decrease in body fluid will result in decrease of performance. Sign of dehydration include headache, tiredness, dry skin, decrease urine production, nausea and dizziness.

Heat exhaustion is when the body temperature increase to about 37 - 40 degrees. At this stage a person can experience a decrease in coordination, minor mental dysfunction, rapid pulse and breathing.

For Heat stroke to occur the body core temperature must reach 40 degrees. At this point a person could experience confusion, seizures, balance problem and irrational behavior.

Cold Environment

Hypothermia is the major concern when training or being exposed to cold or prolonged period of time. Hypothermia can be expose to snow, cold weather, inadequate clothing. Training in cold environment cause the blood to shift away from the skin due to vasoconstriction -rise in blood pressure which increase in hearth workload. Heart rate also falls which reduce the amount of blood therefor oxygen being delivered to the working muscles.

Training in cold environment particular in cold water result in a fall of power output and decrease in muscle efficiency. An extended warm up is advise to minimise these effects or you could wear extra clothing.