| The ability of pre-pubertal children to regulate their body temperature
under thermoneutral environments is similar to that of an adult albeit
via differing routes. However, this ability is challenged when exposed
to extreme environments. Thermoregulatory responses of pre-pubertal
children differ from adults via adaptations that occur during growth
and maturation and disadvantage children when exercising in hot and
humid environments. When ambient temperatures exceed that of the skin,
an influx of thermal energy from the environment increases thermal
stress. When coupled with exercise, the increased thermal stress results
in reduced physical performance and an increased risk of developing
heat-related illness. Evidence suggesting the severity of heat-related
illness is greater in pre-pubertal children than adults is inconclusive
because age-related differences in thermoregulatory responses are
attributed to either morphologic or functional changes. Additionally,
the majority of research on pre-pubertal children exercising in the
heat has been maturational or comparative studies with adults conducted
in the near absence of convective cooling, complicating extrapolation
to field-based environments. However, current consensus is that pre-pubertal
children are disadvantaged when exercising in extreme temperatures
and that care should be taken in preparing for and conducting sporting
activities in hot and humid environments for pre-pubertal children.
KEY
WORDS: Child, exercise, heat, body temperature regulation, heat
stress disorders.
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