Matthew T Smith1, Machar Reid2, Stephanie Kovalchik3, Tim Wood2, Rob Duffield4. 1. Sport and Exercise Discipline Group, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia; Game Insight Group, Tennis Australia, Australia. Electronic address: msmith@tennis.com.au. 2. Game Insight Group, Tennis Australia, Australia. 3. Game Insight Group, Tennis Australia, Australia; Institute of Sport Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Australia. 4. Sport and Exercise Discipline Group, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship of wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) on heat-related incidents and alterations in matchplay and behavioural characteristics in women's tennis at the Australian Open. DESIGN: From 360 main draw Australian Open women's matches (2014-2016), data describing on-court calls for trainers, doctors, cooling devices and water, post match medical consults and matchplay characteristics were collated. METHODS: Data were referenced against estimated WBGT and categorised into standard zones (zone 5: >32.3°C, zone 4: 30.1-32.2°C, zone 3: 27.9-30°C, zone 2: 22.3-27.9°C, zone 1: <22.2°C). Generalized linear models assessed the association of WBGT zone on heat-related medical incidences, court call-outs and match characteristics. RESULTS: With an increased estimated WBGT zone, there was an increase in total trainer calls (+19.5%/zone; p=0.019), total doctor calls (+54.1%; p<0.001), total calls for heat related incidents (+55.9%; p<0.001), and cooling devices (+31.4%; p<0.001) calculated from the regression slope. When match characteristics were adjusted for match quality, significant decreases (p<0.001) in the number of winners and net approaches and increase in double faults were associated with increased estimated WBGT zone. CONCLUSIONS: An association between higher estimated WBGT and medical callouts (heat and non-heat related) was evident, with an increased call rate >32°C WBGT, despite no heat-related retirements. As estimated WBGT increased, the number of winners and net approaches were reduced, while double faults increased, particularly >30°C WBGT. Accordingly, the manner in which female players manage and play in the heat during women's Grand Slam tennis appears to change at ≈30°C WBGT.
OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship of wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) on heat-related incidents and alterations in matchplay and behavioural characteristics in women's tennis at the Australian Open. DESIGN: From 360 main draw Australian Open women's matches (2014-2016), data describing on-court calls for trainers, doctors, cooling devices and water, post match medical consults and matchplay characteristics were collated. METHODS: Data were referenced against estimated WBGT and categorised into standard zones (zone 5: >32.3°C, zone 4: 30.1-32.2°C, zone 3: 27.9-30°C, zone 2: 22.3-27.9°C, zone 1: <22.2°C). Generalized linear models assessed the association of WBGT zone on heat-related medical incidences, court call-outs and match characteristics. RESULTS: With an increased estimated WBGT zone, there was an increase in total trainer calls (+19.5%/zone; p=0.019), total doctor calls (+54.1%; p<0.001), total calls for heat related incidents (+55.9%; p<0.001), and cooling devices (+31.4%; p<0.001) calculated from the regression slope. When match characteristics were adjusted for match quality, significant decreases (p<0.001) in the number of winners and net approaches and increase in double faults were associated with increased estimated WBGT zone. CONCLUSIONS: An association between higher estimated WBGT and medical callouts (heat and non-heat related) was evident, with an increased call rate >32°C WBGT, despite no heat-related retirements. As estimated WBGT increased, the number of winners and net approaches were reduced, while double faults increased, particularly >30°C WBGT. Accordingly, the manner in which female players manage and play in the heat during women's Grand Slam tennis appears to change at ≈30°C WBGT.
Authors: Evert Verhagen; Benjamin Clarsen; Jamie Capel-Davies; Christy Collins; Wayne Derman; Don de Winter; Nicky Dunn; Todd S Ellenbecker; Raymond Forde; Brian Hainline; Jo Larkin; Machar Reid; Per Afh Renstrom; Kathleen Stroia; Sue Wolstenholme; Babette M Pluim Journal: Br J Sports Med Date: 2020-10-20 Impact factor: 13.800