Julien Périard is a Canadian research scientist. After racing on the International Triathlon Union Circuit, he completed a PhD at the University of Sydney, investigating the mechanisms that limit prolonged exercise in the heat. He continues to be intrigued by the mechanisms that mediate performance and fatigue in adverse conditions and is now based in Qatar, an ideal place conduct heat studies in athletes.

In this podcast he talks about a study he led with tennis players competing in both hot (37ºC) and cool (22ºC) conditions. He discusses the thermal, physiological and perceptual strain associated with match-play tennis in these conditions, as well as fatigue from a physical and neuromuscular performance perspective. He further discusses the impact of playing in the heat on oxidative stress, and the role of an individualized hydration regimen on performance under heat stress.

He gives several important take home messages for coaches and players who plan to compete in the heat.

See also:

Heat stress does not exacerbate tennis-induced alterations in physical performance: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/48/Suppl_1/i39.full

Coping with heat stress during match-play tennis: Does an individualised hydration regimen enhance performance and recovery?: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/48/Suppl_1/i64.full

Increase in tennis injuries at the Australian Open – media hype or evidence based: http://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2014/01/28/increase-in-tennis-injuries-at-the-australian-open-media-hype-or-evidence-based/

Australian Open – Hot Tennis. To play or not to play? That is the question: http://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2014/01/18/australian-open-hot-tennis-to-play-or-not-to-play-that-is-the-question/

Thermal, physiological and perceptual strain mediate alterations in match-play tennis under heat stress: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/48/Suppl_1/i32.full

Hydration and thermal strain during tennis in the heat: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/48/Suppl_1/i12.full

Core body temperature during competition in the heat: national boys’ 14s junior tennis championships: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/41/11/779.full

An integrated physiological and performance profile of professional tennis: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/41/8/531.full

The impact of match-play tennis in a hot environment on indirect markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/48/Suppl_1/i59.full

Neuromuscular adjustments of the knee extensors and plantar flexors following match-play tennis in the heat: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/48/Suppl_1/i45.full