Effects of Sports Disciplines on Skin Temperature Asymmetries
摘要
This chapter analyses thermoregulatory responses in relation to different sports disciplines, focusing on cyclic sports (such as running, cycling, and rowing) and non-cyclic sports (such as racket sports and handball). The main objective is to determine whether thermoregulatory asymmetries exist between body segments and to discuss methodological limitations found in current studies. Findings suggest that in cyclic sports, there are no evident thermoregulatory asymmetries. The thermal response varies throughout the performance, initially involving vasoconstriction, followed by vasodilation as exercise progresses. Additionally, better-trained athletes (such as elite runners and cyclists) exhibit more efficient thermoregulatory strategies compared to less-trained individuals. However, several factors, such as body fat percentage, may influence thermographic analysis and limit the accuracy of these studies. Therefore, further research is needed to assess long-term responses and the potential existence of asymmetries. In contrast, non-cyclic sports show an asymmetric thermoregulatory pattern, even in non-injured athletes. This asymmetry appears to be sport-specific, as the segments most involved in the activity require greater thermoregulation.