Exertional Heat Illness: Advanced Analysis of Extrinsic Risk Factors
Presented by Susan Yeargin
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Non-Financial: Susan Yeargin serves on the Korey Stringer Institute Medial Advisory Board, and is an associate professor at the University of South Carolina Department of Athletic Training.
Research on EHI has been increasing over the last decade, but a gap of how to translate results to prevention strategies and policies may exist. Research evaluating common predisposing factors will be reviewed to develop focused prevention strategies for EHI in active populations. Constructing the framework of prevention policies for EHI is provided throughout the course. Extrinsic risk factors within the categories of organizational and environmental factors will be covered in this course.
Meet your instructor
Susan Yeargin
Susan Yeargin is an associate professor of athletic training at the University of South Carolina. She serves on NATA’s pronouncements and research committees. She was a task force member and author of the “Preseason Heat-Acclimatization Guidelines for Secondary School Athletics” and a coauthor of the recent NATA position…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Introduction
In this chapter, the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors is clarified, and types of prevention strategies are defined. Research examining overall prevalence of exertional heat illnesses is also provided.
2. Organizational Factors: Inappropriate Work-to-Rest Ratios
A description of the heat balance equation is reviewed, explaining why inappropriate work-to-rest ratios are a predisposing factor for EHI. Discussion of how to use the research results for the practical application of prevention strategies is presented. Examples of policy statements that can be used for different active populations are given.
3. Organizational Factors: Pressure and Wrong Diagnosis
An explanation of how organizational pressure can be a predisposing factor for EHI is provided. Wrong diagnosis, improper treatment, and lack of education are identified as risk factors for heat stroke deaths. Discussion of how to use the research results for the practical application of prevention strategies is presented. Examples of policy statements that can be used for different active populations are given.
4. Environmental Factors: High Wet-Bulb Globe Temperatures
In this chapter, the instructor describes why high environmental temperatures are a primary risk factor for EHI, as well as components of WBGT as a measure of environmental temperature. Various WBGT activity modification tables are presented, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. How to measure WBGT is demonstrated and explained. Discussion of how to use the research results for the practical application of prevention strategies is presented. Examples of policy statements that can be used for different active populations are given.
5. Environmental Factors: Uniforms
Thermal stress demands that result from wearing uniforms are described with supporting research. Different uniform configurations (American football, baseball, military) are discussed. The instructor presents how to use the research results for the practical application of prevention strategies. Examples of policy statements that can be used for different active populations are given.
More courses in this series
Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps
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Differentiating Exertional Heat Exhaustion and Exertional Heat Stroke
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Exertional Heat Illness: Advanced Analysis of Extrinsic Risk Factors
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Exertional Heat Illness: Advanced Analysis of Intrinsic Risk Factors
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