The ability of the body to control it’s temperature is called thermoregulation.

Major changes in the core temperature of the body can be dangerous.

Thermoregulation is achieved by: - Convection- Radiation- Conduction- Evaporation

Define the 4 types of thermoregulation and give examples of two sports in which each would occur.

If the air is dry and a breeze is blowing, sweat can easily evaporate off the skin.

The cooling system works efficiently. If humid and sunny sweat does not

evaporate as easily. Sweat drips off the body and the cooling

effect is reduced.

When air temperature reaches above 25C caution when exercising is needed.

If temperature is high and humid serious health problems can occur especially in endurance performances.

Hyperthermia can result due to lack of evaporation - the body’s temperature regulation mechanism.

Hyperthermia is a serious condition in which the core body temperature has risen dangerously high.

It is characterised confusion, hot skin, headache, nausea and in sever cases collapse and coma.

Urgent medical attention is needed.

Handout ambient temperature and wet-bulb globe temperature.

If air temperature is cold, strong wind currents can contribute to the wind chill factor.

If appropriate insulating clothing is not available this can produce a life threatening situation.

This can result in hypothermia

What is hypothermia and its symptoms?

Exposure to cold water for a long time can cause serious health risks as water is and efficient conductor.

The body loses heat more quickly when immersed in water.

Both hypothermia and hyperthermia are more likely to occur when there is a combination of extreme climatic conditions – heat and humidity, cold and wind.

Complete Inquiry Activity pg: 445 Outcomes 2

Exercising at altitude affects the wellbeing of athletes by:

Their ability to perform physical work is affected.

Aerobic performance decreases as there is less oxygen in the air therefore the athlete needs more air to perform the same task as if they were at sea level.

VO2 max decreases also due to the lack of oxygen.

Lower humidity and air temperatures create temperature regulation problems.

Athletes need to aclimatise to altitude to promote their wellbeing.

Exercising in pollution affects the wellbeing of athletes by:

Reducing lung function as carbon monoxide decreases the amount of oxygen carried to the muscles.

Can trigger asthma attacks. Causes respiratory illnesses.

Exercise leads to fluid loss. Maintaining hydration levels is important to the wellbeing of participants as it reduces the effects of dehydration.

Dehydration impedes performance and contributes to fatigue and heat related illness such as heat stroke.

Glue in the fluid replacement guidelines.

Page 329-330 PDHPE Application and Inquiry Read “When the heat is on” and answer critical inquiry questions 1a and b.

Complete the research and review questions 1-5 on page 330. Read through the notes in the handout.