Heat Acclimation Decay and Re-Induction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Although the acquisition of heat acclimation (HA) is well-documented, less is known about HA decay (HAD) and heat re-acclimation (HRA). The available literature suggests 1 day of HA is lost following 2 days of HAD. Understanding this relationship has the potential to impact upon the manner in which athletes prepare for major competitions, as a HA regimen may be disruptive during final preparations (i.e., taper). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the rate of HAD and HRA in three of the main physiological adaptations occurring during HA: heart rate (HR), core temperature (T (c)), and sweat rate (SR). DATA SOURCES: Data for this systematic review were retrieved from Scopus and critical review of the cited references. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were included when they met the following criteria: HA, HAD, and HRA (when available) were quantified in terms of exposure and duration. HA had to be for at least 5 days and HAD for at least 7 days for longitudinal studies. HR, T (c), or SR had to be monitored in human participants. STUDY APPRAISAL: The level of bias in each study was assessed using the McMaster critical review form. Multiple linear regression techniques were used to determine the dependency of HAD in HR, T (c), and SR from the number of HA and HAD days, daily HA exposure duration, and intensity. RESULTS: Twelve studies met the criteria and were systematically reviewed. HAD was quantified as a percentage change relative to HA (0% = HA, 100% = unacclimated state). Adaptations in end-exercise HR decreased by 2.3% (P < 0.001) for every day of HAD. For end-exercise T (c), the daily decrease was 2.6% (P < 0.01). The adaptations in T (c) during the HA period were more sustainable when the daily heat exposure duration was increased and heat exposure intensity decreased. The decay in SR was not related to the number of decay days. However, protracted HA-regimens seem to induce longer-lasting adaptations in SR. High heat exposure intensities during HA seem to evoke more sustained adaptations in SR than lower heat stress. Only eight studies investigated HRA. HRA was 8–12 times faster than HAD at inducing adaptations in HR and T (c), but no differences could be established for SR. LIMITATIONS: The available studies lacked standardization in the protocols for HA and HAD. CONCLUSIONS: HAD and HRA differ considerably between physiological systems. Five or more HA days are sufficient to cause adaptations in HR and T (c); however, extending the daily heat exposure duration enhances T (c) adaptations. For every decay day, ~ 2.5% of the adaptations in HR and T (c) are lost. For SR, longer HA periods are related to better adaptations. High heat exposure intensities seem beneficial for adaptations in SR, but not in T (c). HRA induces adaptations in HR and T (c) at a faster rate than HA. HRA may thus provide a practical and less disruptive means of maintaining and optimizing HA prior to competition.