Gaps in Heat-Related Knowledge, Practices and Adaptation Strategies Among Coaches in German Outdoor Sports.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Climate change is increasing the risk of heat-related illness in outdoor sports. Coaches have a responsibility to protect the athletes in their care. In this study, the knowledge and practice of German coaches in heat prevention were evaluated nationwide.

Methods

Coaches (n = 1,200) from the ten largest outdoor sports in Germany were asked about their knowledge using the knowledge of heat-related illness symptoms index (KOSI, range [0-14]). Prevention measures currently implemented by coaches were analyzed in terms of relative compliance with specified recommendations (heat prevention score (HPS), range [0-100]).

Results

The KOSI averaged 10.31 ± 1.81 and pointed to clear knowledge deficits: the lowest score values were shown by coaches in skiing (9.85 ± 1.

SUBMITTER: Leer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11653017 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature