RESUMO
AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of tropical climate (i.e., hot and humid) on performance during multiple jump-and-reach tests. METHODS: Fourteen male basketball players volunteered to perform 2 randomized series of jump-and-reach tests, which consisted of a jump-and-reach test every 15 sec for 5 min (21 jump-and-reach tests) in two thermal conditions: tropical (TR, 30.4 degrees C, 70% rh) and thermoneutral (TN, 23.1 degrees C, 53% rh). During each test, lactate concentration [La(-)], tympanic temperature (Tty), sweat rate (SR), heart rate (HR), and performance (height: H) were noted at rest, during exercise and recovery. Two hours of recovery separated the TN and TR tests. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean height, maximal height or the kinetics between TN and TR. Both conditions induced an increase in height over time (time effect: p<0.002). There were no significant differences in [La(-)] at rest or during exercise or recovery in the 2 conditions. Both conditions induced an increase in [La(-)] (time effect: p<0.002). There was a tendency toward a higher mean [La(-)] during TR than TN (situation effect, p<0.07). However, compared to resting values, [La(-)] values were significantly increased only in TR and not in TN. Tty, was significantly greater (p<0.001) at rest and during exercise and recovery in TR than in TN. SR and HR were also significantly greater at rest and during exercise and recovery in TR (p<0.001 for SR and HR). CONCLUSION: We conclude that tropical climate affects physiological responses without improving or decreasing performance during successive jump tests.