Core Body Temperatures in Collegiate Marching Band Artists During Rehearsals and Performances

Abstract

Context To our knowledge, no researchers have investigated thermoregulatory responses and exertional heat illness (EHI) risk factors in marching band (MB) artists performing physical activity in high environmental temperatures. Objective To examine core temperature (Tc) and EHI risk factors in MB artists. Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting Three rehearsals and 2 football games for 2 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institution's MBs. Patients or Other Participants Nineteen volunteers (females = 13, males = 6; age = 20.5 ± 0.9 years, height = 165.1 ± 7.1 cm, mass = 75.0 ± 19.1 kg) completed the study. Main Outcome Measure(s) We measured Tc, wet bulb globe temperature, and relative humidity preactivity, during activity, and postactivity. Other variables were activity time and intensity, body surface area, hydration characteristics (fluid volume, sweat rate, urine specific gravity, percentage of body mass loss), and medical history (eg, previous EHI, medications). The statistical analysis consisted of descriptive information (mean ± standard deviation), comparative analyses that determined differences within days, and correlations that identified variables significantly associated with Tc. Results The mean time for rehearsals was 102.8 ± 19.8 minutes and for games was 260.5 ± 47.7 minutes. Mean maximum Tc was 39.1 ± 1.1°C for games and 38.4 ± 0.7°C for rehearsals; the highest Tc (41.2°C) occurred during a game. Fluid consumption did not match sweat rates (P < .001). Participants reported to games in a hypohydrated state 63.6% of the time. The maximum Tc correlated with the maximum wet bulb globe temperature (r = 0.618, P < .001) and was higher in individuals using mental health medications (rpb = −0.254, P = .022) and females (rpb = 0.330, P = .002). Body surface area (r = −0.449, P < .001) and instrument mass (r = −0.479, P < .001) were negatively correlated with Tc. Conclusions Marching band artists experienced high Tc during activity and should have access to athletic trainers who can implement EHI-prevention and -management strategies.