Thermoregulation During a 25-km Open Water Race

Changes in Body Core Temperature During a 25-km Open Water Race in Elite Swimmers: Identifying Predictors for Hypothermia and Dropouts

Open water swimming is a swimming discipline which takes place in outdoor water such as open oceans, lakes, and rivers. Elite swimmers are exposed to hypothermia when swimming in cold water, especially in long duration races, such as the 25-km race. The objective of this study is to evaluate the change in body core temperature in swimmers with continuous temperature monitoring during a 25-km race. The secondary objective is to identify the predictors of hypothermia and hypothermia-related drop-out.

Inclusion Criteria:

• competitors of the 25-km French Open Water Championship
• participants who volunteered for this study
• written consent was obtained from all participants, as well as their legal representatives when applicable (i.e. parents for under age participants).

Exclusion Criteria:

• swallowing disorders
• transit disorders
• MRI scheduled within 48 hours