The effects of acute heat exposure on muscular strength, muscular endurance, and muscular power in the euhydrated athlete

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of acute heat exposure upon muscular strength, muscular endurance, and muscular power in euhydrated athletes. Ten healthy, weight-trained men (average age = 23.0 +/- 4.0 years) volunteered for this investigation. Subjects were randomized to normothermic (22.5degrees C, 65% relative humidity [RH\) or hyperthermic (65-75degrees C, 15% RH) condition for 30 minutes. Results indicated that all subjects experienced significant (p < 0.05) hemodynamic stress because of the 30 minutes of heat exposure (blood pressure [BP](rest) 124/78 min Hg to BPpostsauna 148/60 mm Hg, heart rate [HR](rest) 64 b.min(-1) to HRpostsauna 122 b.min(-1)). Oral and tympanic temperature measurements correlated strongly (r(2) = 0.904) and increased by 2.48 and 2.71degrees C, respectively, during sauna exposure. One repetition maximum (1RM) bench press strength did not differ between the 2 conditions, whereas 1RM leg press strength was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after the hyperthermic protocol. Subjects' muscular endurance creased significantly (p < 0.05) in both the leg press (29.2%) and bench press (15.8%) after the sauna exposure. In contrast, muscular power (vertical jump) increased significantly (3.1%, p < 0.5) after acute heat exposure. In agreement with previous studies, we concluded that acute heat exposure is detrimental to muscular endurance; however, the areas of strength and power are far less unequivocal.