Heat Acclimatization: Bridging the Gap Between High Performance and General Health

Authors

  • Alberto Hermo Argibay Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University Hospital Doctor Peset, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), 46017, Valencia, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5760-0363
  • Jose Luis Sánchez-Jiménez GIBD, Departamento de Educación Física y Deportiva, Universitat de València, Valencia, España
  • Susana Rovira-Llopis Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University Hospital Doctor Peset, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), 46017, Valencia, Spain
  • Jose I. Priego-Quesada GIBD, Departamento de Educación Física y Deportiva, Universitat de València, Valencia, España
  • Víctor M. Víctor Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University Hospital Doctor Peset, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), 46017, Valencia, Spain

Keywords:

heat training, acclimatization, cardiovascular fitness, atherosclerosis, thermoregulation

Abstract

The increase in temperature due to climate change poses significant health risks for both the general population and athletes, particularly those with low thermoregulatory capacity, who may experience increased stress responses that could lead to vascular complications like atherosclerosis. To mitigate these effects, athletes have adopted heat acclimatization protocols, which could also benefit the general population. In our study, ten physically active subjects (6 males, 4 females) underwent a heat training protocol twice a week for eight weeks, involving 30 minutes of constant-power exercise at 36°C. Subjects were tested incrementally and had blood samples taken to evaluate physical fitness and atherosclerosis risk.  Results showed improvements in body composition, cardiovascular function, thermoregulatory capacity and metabolic response to heat as well as an improvement in the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

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References

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Published

2025-11-19

How to Cite

Hermo Argibay, A., Sánchez-Jiménez, J. L., Rovira-Llopis, S., Priego-Quesada, J. I., & Víctor, V. M. (2025). Heat Acclimatization: Bridging the Gap Between High Performance and General Health. Journal of Science and Cycling, 14(2), 3. Retrieved from https://www.jsc-journal.com/index.php/JSC/article/view/1019

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2025): Special Issue of the 2025 Science & Cycling Congress | Lille - June

Section

Science & Cycling Conference, Lille 2025

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