This study addresses thermoregulatory characteristics and provides resources for prevention and diagnosis of hydroelectrolyte deficits and damage resulting from exercise in the heat by children. Exercise in the heat can lead to an increase in core temperature, thus impairing children's performance and health. The thermoregulatory system is still developing in childhood, and the elimination of the heat produced during physical exercise by sweat evaporation is impaired in children, as they have lower sweat rate and electrolyte concentration in the heat than adults. Pre-exercise assessment of hydration status is important to avoid children starting to exercise in a dehydrated state. As they often do not drink enough to avoid dehydration while exercising in the heat, they should be educated to drink before, during and after exercise, especially in the heat.
Thermoregulation; dehydration; sweat; electrolytes
