Performance Intelligence Questionnaire

May 2006

Acclimitization – Key to Maximizing Performance in the Heat

1. Heat acclimatization stimulates adaptive changes by:

a. Improving heat tolerance

b. Reducing physiological strain

c. Increasing the athletes risk of heat illness

d. Both a. and b

2. The exercise duration should gradually increase up to:

a. 60 min/day

b. 90 min/day

c. 3 hours/day

d. none of the above

3. True or False: To see the athlete adapt properly to the heat they should start by immediately performing high-intensity exercise during the hottest part of the day.

a. True

b. False

4. Body weight should be monitored to ensure that the athlete is:

a. Gaining weight during the session by drinking enough water

b. Losing weight during the session by sweating

c. Maintaining their weight by matching water intake with sweat loss

5. Exercise intensity should be:

a. 10-20% of maximal capacity

b. 20-30% of maximal capacity

c. 30-40% of maximal capacity

d. > 50% of maximal capacity

6. Before attempting to heat acclimatize the athlete should:

a. Drink four bottles of a sports drink before the session

b. Train in heavy sweats

c. Attain adequate fitness in cool environments

d. Both a. and c

7. What organizations have adopted the University of Connecticut’s recommendations for heat acclimatization and hydration?

a. National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)

b. Association for Training in Extreme Environments (ATEE)

c. United States Olympic Committee (USOC)

d. Both a. and b.

e. Both a. and c.

8. After 9-10 days of proper heat acclimatization, which of the following should not be an adaptation?

a. Heart rate reduction

b. Increase in perceived exertion

c. Core temperature reduction

d. Plasma volume expansion

e. Both b. and d

9. Which part of the day should the athlete perform their highest intensity exercises?

a. The cooler morning hours

b. The hottest time of the day

c. The cooler evening hours

d. Both a. and c.

10. What effort should coaches take to decrease the threat of the environment and maximize performance?

a. Make sure the athletes eat lots of protein

b. Structure the training and competitions so the athletes are able to adapt to the environmental stress

c. Avoid working out during the summer to prevent risk of heat illnesses 

Click Here for Answer Key!