Dynamics of Physiological Responses During Long Distance Run: Modelling

Abstract

Long-distance races are regularly held around the world regardless of weather conditions. Running under hot environmental conditions can be associated with health risks for the runner, such as hyperthermia and dehydration. This study examines air temperature impact on physiological state during a run. Developed computer simulator predicts the dynamics of body temperatures, water loss, heat flows, blood flow, and other runner's parameters throughout a race. The analysis of modelling results has shown that within air temperature range of 16 to 24 °C there is no hyperthermia hazard to the runner, only due to enhanced sweating followed by water evaporation from the body surface. The higher air temperature, the more fluid has to be spent on the cooling of runner's body. Proposed computer model allows for quantitative assessment of the dependency of runner's thermophysiological parameters on environment temperature. Based on these data, the computer simulator provides relevant recommendations.