Sporting activities and heatwaves do not always go hand in hand
Online since 29.07.2022
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Faced with the extreme temperatures of July, sports professionals have issued several recommendations.
The team from the sports medicine department of the Clinique romande de réadaptation was asked to talk about this throughout the media.
Le nouvelliste
3 questions TO Michaël Duc, coordinator OF THE SPORTS MEDECINE DEPARTMENT of the Swiss Olympic Medical Center IN Sion
«Elite sportsmen/women are more used to harsh conditions»
How can an athlete adapt to the hot weather that has continued over the past few weeks?
The impact of heat differs when practicing different disciplines. Those with a predominantly explosive nature can cope with it well. It even favours muscle function for throwers, sprinters or jumpers. Small adaptations will be necessary, such as the intensity or duration of the sessions. The approach changes for endurance sports. It is necessary to favour outings at the beginning or end of the day, avoiding the hottest hours. Whatever the speciality, the humidity level has a strong influence. It is easier to manage the effort with a temperature of 36 or 37 degrees in a dry climate than with a few degrees less and high humidity. During a recent training session in Sierre, the athletes were suffering more than usual because of the sensations caused by the arrival of a thunderstorm. The organism has to manage the effort and the evacuation of the heat at the same
Does the approach to heat differ between performance-oriented and recreational athletes?
Elite athletes are more accustomed to the tough conditions that we experienced this summer and that they also faced in competition. There are also simulation chambers that reproduce this climatic environment in order to prepare for it. Adaptation is possible, but it takes a little time.
What advice do you give to athletes in hot weather?
The first tip is to ensure good hydration. Water should be supplemented with isotonic drinks to compensate for the loss of mineral salts. The Valais has enough forests and shady areas to protect you from the sun. Wearing a cap and clothes that breathe well is also an advantage. An essential point is to listen to your body.
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Radio Chablais
Sports and heat waves do not work well together. Sports doctors issue several recommendations during this period of high temperature.
IThis includes training early in the morning or late in the evening, and regular hydration in small sips. Muscles produce a large amount of heat when they contract. This, combined with the surrounding heat, can quickly make the human body go into the red. Pierre-Etienne Fournier, head of the sports medicine department at the Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, explains...
To help a person suffering from heatstroke, several steps should be taken. Place the person in a shaded area, wet the skin, and have them drink in a controlled manner to lower their body temperature.