Environmental Conditions - Cold

Question 1

physiological response to cold weather

Answer 1

Peripheral vasoconstriction
The redirection of blood flow away from the skins surface and towards the body’s core to minimise heat transfer
Shivering
Involuntary muscle contractions designed to help increase heat production
Piloerection (goosebumps)
When the hair on the body stand on end they trap a warm layer of air close to the skin to help keep the skin surface warm

Question 2

performance in colder weather

Answer 2

Lower submaximal VO2, at a given exercise intensity
shivering may lead to early glycogen depletion
Fine motor skills deteriorate
Caused by reduced sensation in hands and feet due to vasoconstriction

Question 3

wind chill

Answer 3

The apparent temperature felt on the skin due to the combination of wind and ambient temperature
Wind increases heat loss via convection as it removes the layer of warm air around the body

Question 4

risk of dehydration

Answer 4

Inhaled air is very cold and dry
It needs to be warmed and humidified, meaning lots of fluid is lost via respiration
With a reduced thirst sensation, the risk of dehydration exists

Question 4

cold acclimatisation

Answer 4

Less critical than exercise for the heat
Should occur 7-10 days before competition
Allows chance for experimentation clothing/warming up
Physiological adaptations
Athletes train their body to generate more heat and better prevent heat loss

Question 4

Hypothermia

Answer 4

If the body becomes too cold and heat needs to be retained blood flow towards the skin is restricted
Blood vessels will vasoconstrict to decrease blood to the skin and therefore heat loss
The body starts to shiver to increase body temperature
Piloerection also occurs to trap a warm layer of air close to the skin to keep the skin warm

Question 4

strategies to cope in the cold

Answer 4

Experiment with the length of warm-up
Experiment with layered clothing
Physiological acclimatisation
Ensure adequate fluid replacement