In-play cooling strategies for sport in hot and humid conditions

Over 40%, and rising, of the global human population currently reside in the climatically ‘torrid’ geographical zone (hot and humid environmental conditions). High ambient temperatures and humidity during sporting events place an added burden on to the physical stress. This load inherently increases the risk of heat - related illness, which remains one of the leading causes of sudden death in exercising individuals. For example, heat illness was the third most common specific cause of death (1.9 annual incidences) between 1990 and 2010 in high school and college American football players. Tennis is a popular global summer sport that features four pinnacle Grand Slam tournaments per year at the professional level. The United States and Australian tournaments often coincide with hot environmental conditions that have resulted in athletes aborting play due to heat - related health issues. This Discovery article highlights the study by Schranner et al. who examined the effectiveness of in - play cooling interventions during simulated tennis match - play performed in the most extreme environmental conditions observed during the United States Open in recent years (36°C and 50% relative humidity).