Heat acclimation protocol for enhancing athletic endurance and resilience
This heat acclimation protocol evaluates athletic endurance, resilience, and recovery through rigorous testing of physiological and cognitive outcomes in controlled heat conditions.
Overview
This heat acclimation protocol aims to enhance athletic endurance and resilience by evaluating physiological and cognitive outcomes in controlled heat conditions. The protocol includes a series of structured heat tolerance tests and exercise performance evaluations conducted before and after a 5-day heat acclimation regimen. The rigorous testing is designed to provide valuable insights into the effects of heat acclimation on athletic performance, especially in hot environments.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Baseline fitness testing includes anthropometry and VO2max assessments.
- Heat tolerance tests involve treadmill exercises at specific speeds, grades, and environmental conditions (40°C, 40% relative humidity).
- The protocol includes both pre- and post-acclimation tests to compare physiological responses, cognitive function, and physical performance.
- Comprehensive data collection through blood draws, stool samples, and performance tests.
- Variables measured include heart rate, core temperature, skin temperature, sweat loss, and biomarkers for inflammation and gut health.
Technology readiness level
The protocol has reached Technology Readiness Level 7, indicating it has been demonstrated in an operational environment and is ready for further validation and potential application in athletic training and performance enhancement programs.
About University of Connecticut
UConn is a comprehensive public research university and the state’s flagship, with its main campus in Storrs and an academic medical center in Farmington. Industry engages through UConn Tech Park—anchored by the Innovation Partnership Building—with shared labs, pilot‑scale testbeds, and advanced prototyping for collaborators. Integration with UConn Health enables clinical collaborations and translation, while Hartford and Stamford campuses connect companies to talent along the New York–Boston corridor; a statewide extension network supports technology adoption. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DOD. A dedicated technology commercialization office and the Technology Incubation Program support IP, licensing, and startup incubation across multiple sites.
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