28 December 2007

AOC preparation for Beijing Olympics

Looking for an Edge in Beijing@AOC

An illustrious panel of medical and sports science specialists gathered in Sydney in November to share their knowledge on heat & humidity, air quality, health and hygiene with representatives from all Olympic sports to assist Australian athletes have an edge in August 2008.

August temperatures in Beijing are generally above thirty degrees Celsius with humidity around 50 percent.

Matt Brearly from the Northern Territory Institute of Sport NTIS spoke on acclimitisation and monitoring athletes’ core body temperatures.

Brearly traveled to Beijing with the Australian Hockey teams in August this year for their test events. The athletes took capsules to record their core body temperature. The use of baths, cooling jackets and other procedures were all tested.

Brearly stressed the importance of using the Australian summer to test procedures in the lead up to the Games. He also explained that a minimum of seven days was required to physiologically acclimatise to conditions but mentally it could take longer depending on the individual athletes.

As well as acclimatisation plans the testing of sweat levels, hydration requirements and exercise induced asthma were all discussed.

Training in the morning would also be beneficial in Beijing.

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