Six elite wheelchair shooters undertook a simulated competition of 2 hr duration
under three different conditions: 1. 24-26 °C and 40% humidity (C), 2. 36 °C and
60% humidity (H), and 3. the H condition whilst using simple head, neck and torso
cooling devices (HC). The trials were undertaken at the same time on consecutive
days in a counter-balanced, randomised order. Two shooters were removed from the
H trial at t=75 and t=105 min, respectively, due to tympanic temperature elevations
above 39 °C, but were able to complete the full 2 hr of competition during the C and
HC conditions. Heart rates were significantly elevated for the group during the H
condition compared to C and HC (106 ± ll, 80 ± 10, 90 ± 7 beats.min-' respectively
at t=90 min, p<0.05) as were perceptions of thermal discomfort (6.4 ± 0.7, 3.5 ± 0.4,
4.8 ± 1.0 respectively at t=90 min, p<0.05). These responses were at least partially
alleviated by the use of the simple, yet practical, cooling devices. Practically, this
may improve performance in shooting competitions as it allows more time to fire a
shot between heart beats, and enables shooters to concentrate more easily on the task
required of them. Responses to heat exposure were more pronounced in athletes
with a higher level of disability (CS versus T4 versus cerebral palsy), and those who
wore heavy leather shooting jackets (rifle versus pistol shooters). Although further
research is recommended, it would appear that the rules governing shooting attire
and prolonging exposure to heat should be reconsidered for events in which
wheelchair athletes compete.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218673 |
| Date | January 1997 |
| Creators | Broad, Elizabeth, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Human & Biomedical Sciences |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Elizabeth Broad |
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