children and young athletes; thermoregulation

Question 1

What is thermoregulation?

Answer 1

Thermoregulation refers to the maintenance of a stable internal temperature independent of the temperature of the external environment.

Question 2

Why is thermoregulation an issue for children and young athletes?

Answer 2

This is seen as an issue since they are less able to effectively control their body temperature at 37.5°C placing them at greater risk of hyperthermia (hot) and hypothermia (cold) in unfavourable weather conditions.

Question 3

What are the main factors that contribute to the increases risk of thermoregulation in children?

Answer 3

• Underdeveloped Sweat Glands
• Higher surface area to volume ratio
• Slower rates of acclimatisation

Question 4

How do underdeveloped sweat glands in children lead to risk of thermoregulation?

Answer 4

As the most effective method of cooling the body is through evaporation of perspiration on the skin, since children are unable to effectively produce moisture on their skin, the child’s body will continue to heat up

Question 5

If children can not rely on evaporation of perspiration on the skin to cool down what must the body do?

Answer 5

Children must rely on radiation and convection to cool down, which is not as effective.

Question 6

How does a higher surface area to volume ratio in children lead to risk of thermoregulation?

Answer 6

This increases the heat that is absorbed into the body on hot days.

Question 7

What does slower rates of acclimatisation in children mean?

Answer 7

The physiological changes requires to manage hot and cold days take longer to occur.
(e.g. vasodilation, vasoconstriction, sweating)

Question 8

What are factors that can detriment a child/young athlete due to ineffective thermoregulation?

Answer 8

• Hot or Cold weather
• Humidity
• Cold winds

Question 9

What must children do to ensure safety during adverse weather?

Answer 9

• Avoid extreme conditions
• Have regular rest and water breaks in the shade on hot days
• Wear loose light-coloured clothing on hot days
• Wear warm clothing that covers the skin on cold days to retain heat.

Question 10

What does higher surface area to volume ratio mean and why is it in children?

Answer 10

Due to children having underdeveloped sweat glands, they will have a higher surface area to cool down with the limited volume of sweat.