The Collegiate Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches Heat Acclimation Survey

Abstract

Chronic exposure to heat can lead to heat acclimation (HA) and attenuate heat-related endurance performance decrements. In this study, a sample of 21 collegiate cross country and track and field coaches in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I (n = 14) and Division III (n = 7) completed a survey on the perceived value of HA as well as the HA methods used. Coaches use HA when preparing for hot-weather competitions but may be unaware of research on cool-weather performance benefits derived from HA. Most coaches (78.9%) utilize the natural environment for heat exposure during HA and use of excess clothing was also common (52.6%). Most coaches (63.2%) prescribe all intensities of exercise throughout HA. Overall, there was a lack of consistency among coaches on the value and the implementation of HA during training. This suggests a research-to-practice gap.