Collegiate Marching Band Artists Experience High Core Body Temperatures during Rehearsals and Performances

Dawn M Emerson; Toni M Torres-McGehee; Susan W Yeargin; Melani R Kelly; Nancy Uriegas; Allison Smith; Samantha R Weber; Rebecca M Hirschhorn; Cormac Cannon

doi:10.4085/JAT0245-20

Collegiate Marching Band Artists Experience High Core Body Temperatures during Rehearsals and Performances

J Athl Train. 2020 Dec 22;2020(preprint):0. doi: 10.4085/JAT0245-20.

Authors

Dawn M Emerson¹, Toni M Torres-McGehee², Susan W Yeargin³, Melani R Kelly⁴, Nancy Uriegas⁵, Allison Smith⁶, Samantha R Weber⁷, Rebecca M Hirschhorn⁸, Cormac Cannon⁹

Affiliations

¹ Assistant Professor, University of Kansas, dawn.emerson@ku.edu, Twitter: @dawnmm16.
² Associate Professor, Director of Athletic Training Programs, University of South Carolina, torresmc@mailbox.sc.edu, Twitter: @torres-mcgehee.
³ Associate Professor, University of South Carolina, syeargin@mailbox.sc.edu, Twitter: @SusanWYeargin.
⁴ Doctoral Teaching and Research Assistant, University of Kansas, melani.kelly@ku.edu, Twitter.
⁵ Doctoral Teaching and Research Assistant, University of South Carolina, nuriegas@email.sc.edu, Twitter: @Nancy_Uriegas.
⁶ Doctoral Teaching and Research Assistant, University of South Carolina, abs16@email.sc.edu, Twitter: @ally_smith6.
⁷ Doctoral Teaching and Research Assistant, University of South Carolina, srweber@email.sc.edu, Twitter: @SammWeberr.
⁸ Doctoral Teaching and Research Assistant, University of South Carolina, hirschhr@email.sc.edu, Twitter: @rebeccmh.
⁹ Associate Professor, Director of Athletic Bands, University of South Carolina, cormac@mozart.sc.edu, Twitter: @DRCVPC.

PMID: 33351953
DOI: 10.4085/JAT0245-20

Abstract

Context: No research has investigated thermoregulatory responses and exertional heat illness (EHI) risk factors in marching band (MB) artists performing physical activity in high environmental temperatures.

Objective: Examine core temperature (Tc) and EHI risk factors in MB artists.

Design: Descriptive epidemiology study.

Setting: Three rehearsals and 2 football games for 2 NCAA Division I MBs.

Participants: Nineteen volunteers completed the study (female = 13, males = 6; age = 20.5 ± 0.9 years; weight = 75.0 ± 19.1 kg; height = 165.1 ± 7.1 cm).

Main outcome measures: We measured Tc pre-, post-, and every 15 minutes during activity and recorded wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and relative humidity (RH) every 15 minutes. Other variables included activity time and intensity, ground surface, hydration characteristics (fluid volume, sweat rate, urine specific gravity, percent body mass loss [%BM]), and medical history (eg, previous EHI, medications). Statistical analysis included descriptives (mean ± standard deviation), comparative analyses determined differences within and between days, and linear regression identified variables that significantly explained Tc.

Results: Mean rehearsal time = 102.8 ± 19.8 minutes and game time = 260.5 ± 47.7 minutes. Max game Tc (39.1 ± 1.1°C) was significantly higher than rehearsal (38.4 ± 0.7°C, P = .003). The highest max game Tc = 41.2°C. Participants consumed significantly more fluid than their sweat rates (P < .003), which minimized %BM loss, particularly during rehearsals (-0.4 ± 0.6%). Mean game %BM loss = -0.9 ± 2.0%; however, 63.6% of the time, participants reported hypohydrated to game day. Max Tc was significantly predicted by max WBGT, max RH, ground surface, using mental health medications, and hours of sleep (adjusted R2 = 0.542, P < .001).

Conclusions: Marching band artists experience high Tc during activity and should have access to athletic trainers who can implement EHI prevention and management strategies.

Keywords: environment; exertional heat illness; performing arts.

MeSH terms

Body Temperature Regulation
Body Temperature*
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Cross-Sectional Studies
Exercise*
Female
Football
Hot Temperature
Humans
Male
Music
Practice, Psychological
Risk Factors
Sweating
Universities
Young Adult