Tropical Climate Conditions, Heat Stress, and the Effectiveness of Futsal Training Programs in Physical Education: A Systematic Literature Review

Uswatun Hasanah

Authors

Uswatun Hasanah Universitas Negeri Makassar

Keywords:

Tropical Climate, Heat Stress, Futsal Training, Physical Education, Thermoregulation

Abstract

Tropical climate conditions characterized by high temperatures and humidity levels may increase heat stress during physical activity, potentially affecting the effectiveness of futsal training programs in physical education. Heat stress can impair physiological responses, physical performance, cognitive function, and learning outcomes among students participating in futsal activities. Objective: This study aimed to systematically analyze the relationship between tropical climate conditions, heat stress, and the effectiveness of futsal training programs in physical education settings. Methods: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature was collected from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, SINTA, and Garuda databases for publications from 2015–2025. Of the 312 articles initially identified, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed through thematic synthesis. Results: The review revealed that tropical environmental conditions (28–38°C; 65–92% relative humidity) significantly increased physiological strain, reflected by elevated core body temperature (38.5–39.8°C), heart rate (165–190 bpm), sweat loss (1.5–2.8 L/hour), and perceived exertion. Heat stress negatively affected futsal performance, resulting in reductions in VO?max (5–12%), repeated sprint ability (4–15%), agility (3–9%), technical accuracy (4–13%), and decision-making ability (6–14%). Furthermore, heat acclimatization, structured hydration, cooling strategies, and environmental monitoring were consistently associated with improved training effectiveness and reduced thermal strain. Conclusion: Tropical climate conditions substantially influence futsal training effectiveness through heat stress mechanisms. Integrating heat management strategies into physical education programs is essential to enhance student safety, optimize physiological adaptation, and improve learning outcomes in tropical environments.

References

Bergeron, M. F., Bahr, R., Bärtsch, P., Bourdon, L., Calbet, J. A. L., Carlsen, K. H., ... & Engebretsen, L. (2015). International Olympic Committee consensus statement on thermoregulatory and altitude challenges for high-level athletes. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(11), 770–779. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2012-091296

Bongers, C. C. W. G., Hopman, M. T. E., & Eijsvogels, T. M. H. (2017). Cooling interventions for athletes: An overview of effectiveness, physiological mechanisms, and practical considerations. Temperature, 4(1), 60–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2016.1277003

Bongers, C. C. W. G., Thijssen, D. H. J., Veltmeijer, M. T. W., Hopman, M. T. E., & Eijsvogels, T. M. H. (2017). Precooling and percooling (cooling during exercise) both improve performance in the heat: A meta-analytical review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(6), 377–384. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-092928

Casa, D. J., DeMartini, J. K., Bergeron, M. F., Csillan, D., Eichner, E. R., Lopez, R. M., ... & Yeargin, S. W. (2015). National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement: Exertional heat illnesses. Journal of Athletic Training, 50(9), 986–1000. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-50.9.07

Foster, J., Smallcombe, J. W., Hodder, S., Jay, O., & Nybo, L. (2024). Climate change and the future of sport performance and athlete health. Sports Medicine, 54(2), 219–235. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01915-2

Garrett, A. T., Goosens, N. G., Rehrer, N. J., Patterson, M. J., & Cotter, J. D. (2019). Induction and decay of short-term heat acclimation in moderately and highly trained athletes. Sports Medicine, 49(6), 1045–1055. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01074-6

Maughan, R. J., Otani, H., & Watson, P. (2018). Influence of hydration status on cognitive performance and mood. British Journal of Nutrition, 120(S1), S47–S54. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114517003953

Milanez, V. F., Pedro, R. E., Moreira, A., Boullosa, D. A., Salle-Neto, F., Nakamura, F. Y., & Aoki, M. S. (2020). The role of internal and external training load in futsal players under thermal stress. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(4), 552–560. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0281

Morris, N. B., Coombs, G. B., Jay, O., & Flouris, A. D. (2021). Cellular and systemic adaptations to heat stress. Comprehensive Physiology, 11(2), 1937–1964. https://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.c200023

Nassis, G. P., Brito, J., Dvorak, J., Chalabi, H., & Racinais, S. (2015). The association of environmental heat stress with performance: Analysis of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(9), 609–613. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2015-094768

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., ... & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Périard, J. D., Racinais, S., & Sawka, M. N. (2021). Adaptations and mechanisms of human heat acclimation: Applications for competitive athletes and sports. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 31(Suppl. 1), 21–38. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13884

Périard, J. D., Eijsvogels, T. M. H., & Daanen, H. A. M. (2021). Exercise under heat stress: Thermoregulation, hydration, performance implications, and mitigation strategies. Physiological Reviews, 101(4), 1873–1979. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00038.2020

Racinais, S., Alonso, J. M., Coutts, A. J., Flouris, A. D., Girard, O., González-Alonso, J., ... & Sawka, M. N. (2015). Consensus recommendations on training and competing in the heat. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(18), 1164–1173. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2015-094915

Racinais, S., Nichols, D., Travers, G., Belfekih, T., Schumacher, Y. O., & Périard, J. D. (2019). Health status and injury incidence in athletes during international competitions in hot environments. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(11), 712–720. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-099796

Racinais, S., Ihsan, M., Taylor, L., & Periard, J. D. (2022). Heat stress management in athletes: Current evidence and practical recommendations. Sports Medicine, 52(6), 1201–1217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01606-4

Sawka, M. N., Leon, L. R., Montain, S. J., & Sonna, L. A. (2016). Integrated physiological mechanisms of exercise performance, adaptation, and maladaptation to heat stress. Comprehensive Physiology, 1(4), 1883–1928. https://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.c100082

Taylor, N. A. S., Tipton, M. J., & Kenny, G. P. (2016). Considerations for the measurement of core, skin, and mean body temperatures. Journal of Thermal Biology, 46, 72–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2014.10.006

Tyler, C. J., Reeve, T., Hodges, G. J., & Cheung, S. S. (2016). The effects of heat adaptation on physiology, perception, and exercise performance in the heat: A meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 46(11), 1699–1724. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0538-5

Wingo, J. E., Ganio, M. S., & Cureton, K. J. (2016). Cardiovascular drift during heat stress and exercise: Mechanisms and implications. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 40(2), 88–94. https://doi.org/10.1097/JES.0b013e31824c43af