Date of Award

5-2019

Degree Type

Creative Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology and Health Science

Committee Chair(s)

Dale Wagner

Committee

Dale Wagner

Abstract

Background: Heat illnesses present a major risk for athletes, especially football players. The NATA established recommendations to prevent heat illnesses that include measuring wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), but adherence to this recommendation is unknown.

Methods: A survey was sent to all 130 Division 1 FBS athletic training staffs to determine their use of the WBGT to assess heat stress.

Results: Of the 82 respondents (63% response rate), 59 use WBGT to assess heat stress. However, only 19 use it for summer conditioning. Of the 23 universities that do not use WBGT, 10 noted that extreme heat or humidity is not an issue where they are located.

Conclusion:The majority of FBS training programs (72% of respondents) use the WBGT, but adherence to this NATA recommendation varies throughout the season (summer conditioning versus practice) and is likely influenced by the geographical location of the university.

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Kinesiology Commons

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