Falk, B., Radom-Isaac, S., Hoffmann, J. R., Wang, Y., Yarom, Y., Magazanik, A., & Weingstein, Y. (1998). The effect of heat exposure on performance of and recovery from high-intensity, intermittent exercise. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 19, 1-6.

The effects of heat (22 versus 35 degrees Celsius) on anaerobic exercise and recovery were evaluated in trained men (N = 11). Exercise consisted of 5 x 15 seconds of maximum efforts each separated by 30 seconds of active recovery under each temperature condition. Post-exercise recovery was monitored for 60 minutes after a second exercise series.

Results suggested that excessive heat might act as a "warm-up" factor that improves initial performances. However, the effect is not consistent. The recovery times of physiological factors are not altered by the temperature experienced after anaerobic work.

Implication. While heat does affect aerobic endurance performance and recovery, it does not influence anaerobic performance or recovery.

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