Persistent Knowledge Gaps Regarding Exertional Heat Stroke Treatment

J Athl Train. 2022 Aug 1;57(8):756-759. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-366-19.

Abstract

Individualized patient care is ideal for treating and rehabilitating patients with athletic illnesses and injuries. Exertional heat stroke (EHS) treatment best-practice recommendations state that all patients should undergo identical cold-water immersion (CWI) treatment for ideal outcomes. It is unknown, however, whether CWI can be optimized with individualized treatment plans, encouraging personalized medicine. To accomplish this task, clinicians and researchers need to better understand the factors affecting CWI effectiveness. In this short report, we will provide an update to the American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable on Exertional Heat Stroke, review research regarding EHS treatment, and identify knowledge gaps in EHS treatment.

Keywords: body cooling; cold-water immersion; hyperthermia.

MeSH terms

  • Heat Stroke* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Sports Medicine*
  • Sports*
  • Water

Substances

  • Water