How conducting training sessions in the sun could impact players' performance, cause injuries and illness

Being a country located in the western part of Africa, we are endowed with a tropical climate where there is an abundance of sunlight almost all year round and high temperatures are common. Most football teams relate training in hot weather conditions as an index of better fitness for players. This misnomer has led most football teams to schedule training sessions in very unfavorable and unsafe scorching temperatures. It is not uncommon to see teams start training sessions around 1 PM to 3 PM. This predisposes the players to many health hazards.

1. INCREASE IN INJURIES

• Heat-Related Illnesses: Training in high temperatures increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

• Dehydration: The intense heat accelerates fluid loss through sweating, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can impair cognitive function, coordination, and physical performance, increasing the risk of injuries like muscle cramps and strains.

• Muscle Fatigue: Heat can increase muscle fatigue, as players may get worn out more quickly, even during the early period of training. This fatigue can negatively affect technique and increase the risk of overuse injuries.

2. IMPACT ON PERFORMANCE

• Reduced Physical Performance: High temperatures can have a detrimental impact on cardiovascular function, reducing stamina and endurance. Players may struggle to maintain high-intensity efforts.

• Mental Fatigue: Heat stress can decrease cognitive function, including decision-making, reaction time, and concentration, all of which are key for performance in football.

• Skill Execution: Technical skills, otherwise called fine skills, such as passing, shooting, and dribbling, may decline due to reduced muscle control and increased physical fatigue from extreme heat.

3. AFFECTS RECOVERY

• Delayed Recovery: Training in extreme heat can prolong recovery times. The body needs more energy to physiologically regulate temperature and repair tissues, leaving less for recovery processes.

• Sleep Disturbances: The accumulated stress of heat exposure can negatively affect sleep patterns, thus prolonging recovery and leading to cumulative fatigue over time.

• Increased Muscle Soreness: Intense heat can cause profound muscle damage, leading to increased soreness, a higher risk of injury, and longer recovery periods between sessions.

4. IMPACT ON GENERAL HEALTH

• Heat-Related Health Issues: Chronic exposure to high temperatures can lead to long-term health issues such as heat intolerance, kidney problems (due to repeated dehydration), and cardiovascular strain.

• Immune System Suppression: Extreme heat and dehydration can suppress the immune system, making players more prone to infections.

• Mental Health: Continuous exposure to extreme heat can lead to stress and anxiety, negatively affecting mental health. This can worsen if players feel their performance is suffering due to the conditions. This is an issue mostly overlooked and underdiagnosed.

STRATEGIES TO HELP AMELIORATE THESE EFFECTS

To mitigate these effects, several strategies can be employed:

• Training Schedule Adjustments: Shift training sessions to cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon/evening (6 AM - 9 AM / 4 PM - later time pending if lighting facilities are available).

• Adequate Hydration Protocols: Implement rigorous hydration protocols before, during, and after training sessions.

• Cooling Interventions: Employ cooling vests, construct more shaded rest areas, and provide frequent cooling breaks to help players manage body temperature.

• Enhanced Nutritional Support: Ensure players have access to balanced nutrition that promotes optimal hydration and recovery.

CONTEXTUAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE GHANAIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

• Climate: Ghana's climate is typically hot and humid, which can exacerbate the risks associated with training in the midday sun.

• Facilities: Availability of infrastructure such as shaded training grounds and cooling equipment can vary among football clubs, impacting the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. There is a pressing need for all the Premier League teams to have at least a unifying health protocol that will be followed religiously.

• Cultural Practices: Local practices and beliefs regarding training and health can influence the adoption of recommended strategies. As pointed out earlier, it is believed that training in extreme heat conditions may make players hardier and fit. This is certainly a myth and holds no truth.

In Conclusion, conducting football training sessions in the scorching sun or extreme temperatures (from 1 PM to 3 PM) poses undeniable health risks, decreases performance, and affects the recovery of Ghanaian Premier League players. Implementing strategic adjustments to training times and preventive measures is overwhelmingly crucial to safeguarding their well-being and optimizing their performance on the field of play. THERE IS NO FOOTBALL WITHOUT GOOD HEALTH.