Hyperthermia-induced Neural Alterations Impair Proprioception and Balance.

Purpose: Hyperthermia has been shown to affect both central and peripheral nervous systems. However, the consequences of these alterations on the proprioceptive mechanisms underlying human movement control remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of passive hyperthermia on various measures of proprioception and balance, two key components of injury prevention and movement efficiency. Methods: Following a familiarization session, 14 volunteers (8 males, 6 females) completed 2 experimental sessions in temperate (CON, 24[degrees]C) and hot (HOT, 44-50[degrees]C) conditions, in a counterbalanced order. Participants were tested for neural function (electrically evoked M-wave and H-reflex, Soleus), active movement discrimination (5 positions, 50 trials, dorsiflexion), dynamic balance (Star Excursion Balance Test, 3 directions) and static balance (single leg stance). Results: Both rectal (39.0+/-0.3 vs. 36.9+/-0.6[degrees]C) and mean skin (37.9+/-1.0 vs. 32.0+/-2.7[degrees]C) temperatures were significantly higher in HOT than CON (p0.05) amplitudes; increased the mean error for active movement discrimination (0.58+/-0.13 vs. 0.50+/-0.11 degrees, +17%, p

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