Characterizing the Thermal Demands and Mobility Performance During International Wheelchair Rugby Competition.
Erica H Gavel, Melissa A Lacroix, Vicky L Goosey-Tolfrey and 1 others
PMID 36188931WHAT IT FOUND
During international wheelchair rugby, core temperature rose by 1.2°C on average, driven by time spent moving rather than injury classification.
Athletes spent most time at low speeds, and perceived heat did not match actual core temperature, meaning self-reported comfort is unreliable for monitoring heat strain.
Key findings
01The change in core temperature was related to movement time per quarter, with no significant differences found among injury classifications.
02Athletes spent the majority of their movement time in the lowest speed zone (0-1 m/s).
03There was no significant relationship between core temperature and thermal sensation or comfort ratings.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study included only 11 athletes, all from the same national team, which limits generalisability. One participant had a quadruple amputation rather than a spinal cord injury, though the authors state removing this participant would not significantly alter the results. Data was collected over four separate games, so intensity may have varied, although perceived exertion did not differ between games. The study did not include a control group or measure physiological markers of heat strain beyond temperature and heart rate.
Declared interests
The authors declared no commercial or financial conflicts of interest. Funding was provided by Mitacs and Own the Podium.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that athletes with higher-level spinal cord injuries are at greater risk for heat strain than those with lower-level injuries or amputations, as this study found no significant difference in core temperature changes between classification groups. The risk appears linked to the total time spent moving, regardless of impairment level.