Baumgartner, N., Byrne, H. K., Mier, C. M., Turley, K. R., Constable, S. H., & Wilmore, J. H. (1996). Interindividual variability in physiological responses to a 9-day course of hot-humid heat acclimation. Medicine and Science in Exercise and Sports, 28(5), Supplement abstract 1069.

The responses to heat stress vary according to the environment, work rate, and the physiological baseline of the individual. This study found that heat acclimation did not alter interindvidual variation despite the development of heat tolerance.

Implication. When adapting to hot and humid environments, the way individuals react will be consistent but interindividuality will be very marked. Coaches should not expect athletes to adapt to heat stress in similar ways or over similar periods of time.

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