Arngrimsson, S. A., Stewart, D. J., Borrani, F., Skinner, K. A., & Cureton, K. J. (2001). Critical core temperature limits VO2max in the heat. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract .

Male runners (N = 10) performed under seven conditions of preheating and environmental temperatures. Some of the conditions were designed to manipulate the core temperature at which VO2max was reached.

Performance and VO2max were reduced in hot conditions, and decreased even further in very hot temperatures (~45 degrees Celsius). VO2max levels appeared to be limited by attaining a critical core temperature.

Implication. Exercising in the heat is associated with performance declines and achieving a critical core temperature. When that temperature is reached, VO2max and performance are reduced even further. Heat management would appear to be a necessary feature on a good competition strategy when exercising in the heat.

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