Beijing heat 'could clear minds'

Female hockey players could think faster in hot conditions

Competitors at this year's Olympics might find an unexpected benefit in the hot, humid Beijing conditions.

Conventional wisdom says athletes, particularly those from cooler countries, find it tough to adapt to competing in high temperatures.

However, a study from Nottingham Trent University found that members of the GB hockey squad were better at decision-making in the heat.

Scientist Hannah Macleod said that they could draw on "cognitive reserves".

Our findings have been able to offer reassurance to the GB players that their brain functions will not be affected by heat stress Hannah Macleod Nottingham Trent University

Conditions at the 2008 games have been under scrutiny in recent weeks, with concerns over air pollution in Beijing, and the expected high temperatures.

The forecast for the first few days of the games is in the mid-30s celsius, with high humidity.

Teams looking to extract the best performances from their athletes are focusing on keeping them cool, and making them drink enough fluids.

However, the Nottingham Trent study suggests that heat is not necessarily a bad thing, especially in sports with a tactical or mental angle.

Researchers put two members of the hockey team, Anne Panter and Becky Herbert, onto a treadmill set to mimic the exertions of a player during an average game.

The treadmill was put inside the university's "Environmental Chamber" to recreate the exact heat and humidity expected in Beijing.

Faster response

When asked to complete mental tasks, the players completed the same number in the hot environment as in normal conditions, but with notable improvements in the time taken to do so.

Ms Macleod said: "We've found that under extreme conditions, elite athletes are able to draw on cognitive reserves which allow them to counter the effects of heat stress.

"Their mental acuity is actually seen to improve, a result that is of enormous benefit to competitors in field sports such as hockey.

"Our findings have been able to offer reassurance to the GB players that their brain functions will not be affected by heat stress."

UK Sport is trying to make sure that this year's squad is one of the best prepared ever sent to an Olympic Games.

Dr Scott Drawer, its Research and Innovation Consultant, said: "Every games location brings with it its own set of special challenges.

"With Beijing's prevailing conditions of high temperatures coupled with high humidity, the first priorities must be cooling and hydration and that is where we have concentrated our energies."