Thermoregulatory, Cardiovascular and Perceptual Responses of Spectators of a Simulated Football Match in Hot and Humid Environmental Conditions

Major sporting events are often scheduled in thermally challenging environments. The heat stress may impact athletes but also spectators. We examined the thermal, cardiovascular, and perceptual responses of spectators watching a football match in a simulated hot and humid environment. A total of 48 participants (43 ± 9 years; n = 27 participants n = 21 participants ≥50 years, n = 21) watched a 90 min football match in addition to a 15 min baseline and 15 min halftime break, seated in an environmental chamber (Tair = 31.9 ± 0.4 °C; RH = 76 ± 4%). Gastrointestinal temperature (Tgi), skin temperature (Tskin), and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously throughout the match. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and perceptual parameters (i.e., thermal sensation and thermal comfort) were scored every 15 min. Tri (37.3 ± 0.4 °C to 37.4 ± 0.3 °C, p = 0.11), HR (76 ± 15 bpm to 77 ± 14 bpm, p = 0.96) and MAP (97 ± 10 mm Hg to 97 ± 10 mm Hg, p = 0.67) did not change throughout the match. In contrast, an increase in Tskin (32.9 ± 0.8 °C to 35.4 ± 0.3 °C, p < 0.001) was found. Further, 81% of participants reported thermal discomfort and 87% a (slightly) warm thermal sensation at the end of the match. Moreover, the thermal or cardiovascular responses were not affected by age (all p-values > 0.05). Heat stress induced by watching a football match in simulated hot and humid conditions does not result in substantial thermal or cardiovascular strain, whereas a significant perceptual strain was observed.