Implementation of a Mixed-methods Heat Acclimation Programme in a Professional Soccer Referee Before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar: a Case Study

Overview

Journal BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 2024 Oct 16

PMID 39411024

Authors

Dale B Read

Daniel T Evans

Simon Breivik

Joshua D Elliott

Oliver R Gibson

Laurence P Birdsey

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: This case study reports the real-world practicalities of implementing a mixed-methods heat acclimation (HA) programme before the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Methods: One male English soccer referee (age: 44 years; height: 1.82 m; body mass: 76.0 kg) who had officiated professionally for over 17 years and had over 10 years' experience officiating in European and international matches undertook an 11-session HA programme over 22 days. On days 1 and 22, a 30 min fixed-intensity heat tolerance test (9 km.h, 2% gradient, 40°C, 40% relative humidity) was performed, and physiological and perceptual responses were measured. A mixed-methods HA approach was used, including environmental chamber isothermic training, post-temperate training saunas and hot water immersion.

Results: Compared with the pre-test, peak core temperature reduced by 0.40°C (38.4 vs 38.0°C; minimal detectable change (MDC) = 0.34°C), peak skin temperature reduced by 0.5°C (36.7 vs 36.2°C; MDC=0.28°C) and peak heart rate reduced by 5 b·min (167 vs. 162 b·min; MDC=4 b·min) in the post-test. In the post-test, the sweat rate increased by 17% (1.94 vs 2.27 L.h; MDC=0.42 L.h). Peak thermal sensation (7 = 'hot') and the rating of perceived exertion (3 = 'moderate') were unchanged between the tests. However, peak thermal comfort (3 = 'slightly uncomfortable' vs 2 = 'uncomfortable') was rated lower in the post-test.

Conclusion: The HA programme elicited positive physiological but indifferent perceptual responses, highlighting that mixed-methods HA can be implemented when a referee still has officiating, travel and training responsibilities during the HA window.

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