The aim of this thesis was to obtain comprehensive data on environmental and metabolic heat stress, and body temperature regulation during competitive singles tennis matches over each of the seasons in Sydney, Australia. These data were then be used to determine whether a steady-state core body temperature and thermal comfort are being achieved in tennis, in addition to the mechanisms responsible for their attainment (i.e. autonomic / physiological thermoregulation or behavioural / psychological thermoregulation?). These data were also used for the rational analysis of heat stress, which will enable prediction of all thermal exchanges and thus, tolerable environmental conditions for tennis. Finally, these data enabled an evaluation of the current Extreme Heat Policy and the suggestion of an alternative method for assessing heat stress in tennis (the Belding and Hatch Heat Stress Index).
© Copyright 2008 Medicine and Science in Tennis. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.