Hyperthermia-induced Neural Alterations Impair Proprioception and Balance

ABSTRACTPurposeHyperthermia 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.MethodsAfter a familiarization session, 14 volunteers (8 males, 6 females) completed two experimental sessions in temperate (CON, 24°C) and hot (HOT, 44°C–50°C) conditions, in a counterbalanced order. Participants were tested for neural function (electrically evoked M-wave and Hoffman reflex, Soleus), active movement discrimination (five positions, 50 trials, dorsiflexion), dynamic balance (Star Excursion Balance Test, three directions), and static balance (single-leg stance).ResultsBoth rectal (39.0°C ± 0.3°C vs 36.9°C ± 0.6°C) and mean skin (37.9°C ± 1.0°C vs 32.0°C ± 2.7°C) temperatures were significantly higher in HOT than CON (P 0.05) amplitudes, increased the mean error for active movement discrimination (0.58°± 0.13° vs 0.50° ± 0.11°, +17%, P 0.05) amplitudes, increased the mean error for active movement discrimination (0.58°± 0.13° vs 0.50° ± 0.11°, +17%, P

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