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The effect of medium-term heat acclimation on endurance performance in a temperate environment.

PMID 33241974 (2022): heat acclimation — Performance in heat (study note for endurance athletes).

Last updated/Feb 23, 2026, 11:13 PM

Study note • PMID 33241974

The effect of medium-term heat acclimation on endurance performance in a temperate environment.

European journal of sport science2022 • DOI 10.1080/17461391.2020.1856935
Evidence C60/100
Action 2: Consider

Worth trying if it fits your goal and context.

ELI5

In plain language

We investigated whether an 11-day heat acclimation programme (HA) enhanced endurance performance in a temperate environment, and the mechanisms underpinning any ergogenic effect. (controlled study; n=16 trained participants).

The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Performance in heat under the tested conditions. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: We investigated whether an 11-day heat acclimation programme (HA) enhanced endurance performance in a temperate environment, and the mechanisms underpinning any ergogenic effect.
  • The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Performance in heat under the tested conditions.
  • Population: n=16 trained participants.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 90 min.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: heat acclimation (vs comparison group).
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 90 min.
  • Outcomes: Performance in heat.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it helps, and who should skip it

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (n=16 trained participants) working on heat.
  • Athletes who can measure Performance in heat with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should skip

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: controlled study.
  • Population: n=16 trained participants.
  • Comparator: comparison group.
  • Outcomes measured: Performance in heat.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 90 min.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 33241974 (2022) — European journal of sport science.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

PPO increased in both groups (+14 +/- 18W), but this was not related to alterations in any of the performance or thermal variables, and T30 performance was unchanged in either group (HA: Pre = 417 +/- 90 vs.

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations & bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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Sources