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Study note

Time course of heat acclimation and its decay.

PMID 9694426 (1998): heat acclimation — Performance in heat (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 9694426

Time course of heat acclimation and its decay.

International journal of sports medicine1998 • DOI 10.1055/s-2007-971985

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: review.
  • Population relevance: mixed/unclear athlete specificity.
  • Consistency: single-study evidence.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

More is known about the time course for the acquisition of human heat acclimation during exercise than its decay or loss. (review; participants).

In this review, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Performance in heat. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: More is known about the time course for the acquisition of human heat acclimation during exercise than its decay or loss.
  • In this review, the abstract suggests a positive relationship with Performance in heat.
  • Population: participants.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 10 days • 6 days.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: heat acclimation.
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 10 days • 6 days.
  • Outcomes: Performance in heat.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

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

Who should be cautious

  • 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: review.
  • Population: participants.
  • Outcomes measured: Performance in heat.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 10 days • 6 days.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 9694426 (1998) — International journal of sports medicine.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

Retention of the benefits of heat acclimation appears to remain longer for dry compared to humid heat.

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

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Reviews and consensus statements mix protocols and populations; recommendations may not match your exact constraints.
  • 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