Exercise in the heat. I. Fundamentals of thermal physiology, performance implications, and dehydration.
OBJECTIVE
To present the critical issue of exercise in the heat in a format that provides physiologic foundations (Part I) and then applies the established literature to substantial, usable guidelines that athletic trainers can implement on a daily basis when working with athletes who exercise in the heat (Part II).


METHODS
The databases MEDLINE and SPORT Discus were searched from 1980 to 1999, with the terms "hydration," "heat," "dehydration," "cardiovascular," "thermoregulatory," "physiology," and "exercise," among others. The remaining citations are knowledge base.


RESULTS
Part I introduces athletic trainers to some of the basic physiologic and performance responses to exercise in the heat.


CONCLUSIONS
The medical supervision of athletes who exercise in hot environments requires an in-depth understanding of basic physiologic responses and performance considerations. Part I of this article aims to lay the scientific foundation for efficient implementation of the guidelines for monitoring athletic performance in the heat provided in Part II.
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University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.