Exertional Heat Illness Risk Factors and Physiological Responses of Youth Football Players

Abstract Objective Determine which intrinsic and extrinsic exertional heat illness (EHI) risk factors exist in youth American football players and observe perceptual and physiological responses of players during events (games and practices). Study Design Cross-sectional cohort study observing 63 youth football players, varying in position. Independent variables were league (weight-restricted (WR; n  = 27) and age-restricted (AR; n  = 36) and event type. Dependent variables were anthropometrics, work-to-rest ratio, and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). Descriptive variables included pre-participation examination and uniform configuration. A subset of 16 players participated in physiological variables (heart rate and gastrointestinal temperature). Data collection occurred on 7 (AR) and 8 (WR) nonconsecutive practices and the first 3 games of the season. Results Mean values for anthropometric variables were higher ( p Χ 2 (1,111) = 4.232, p  = 0.039) and rest time ( X 2 (1,111) = 43.41, p X 2 (1,111) = 40.62, p Conclusion Extrinsic (disproportionate work ratios, environmental conditions) and intrinsic (higher BMI) EHI risk factors exist in youth football. Certain risk factors may be influenced by event and league type. National youth football organizations need to create thorough guidelines that address EHI risk factors for local leagues to adopt.