Effect of heat exposure on thermoregulation and hockey-specific response time in field hockey goalkeepers

This study examined the thermoregulatory responses in field hockey goalkeepers during games (Part A), and assessed the effect of heat stress on hockey-specific response time (Part B). In Part A, core temperature (Tc), skin temperature (Tsk), body mass, fluid consumption and heart rate (HR) responses of six goalkeepers during two premier level club games in the Western Australian (winter) hockey season were recorded. Part B assessed the same measures, plus a response time test on four goalkeepers playing a simulated game inside a climate chamber in cool (COOL: 20 °C, 40% RH) and hot (HOT: 35 °C, 40% RH) conditions. In Part A, the mean (±SD) Tc and Tsk measured in games was 38.49 ± 0.20 °C and 34.99 ± 0.99 °C, with increases from baseline of 1.34 ± 0.19 °C and 1.08 ± 0.30 °C, respectively. Most of the increase in Tc resulted from the pre-game warm-up. In Part B, Tc and Tsk only increased significantly (p < 0.05) from baseline in the HOT condition (0.62 ± 0.18 °C and 1.61 ± 0.82 °C, respectively). Response time was significantly slower (0.87 ± 0.14 s, p < 0.01) after heat exposure, compared to COOL (0.75 ± 0.15 s), but the number of correct responses was not affected. For optimal performance, careful attention should be given to strategies to limit Tc increases in field hockey goalkeepers during matches.