Physiological Responses in Youth Soccer Players With and Without Mist Spraying on Synthetic Turf in Hot Conditions

The present study aimed to investigate the physiological responses of youth soccer players on an artificial turf field with and without mist spraying under hot conditions.METHODS: Thirty-one male youth soccer players (age: 13.1±0.8years, height: 158.7±7.8 cm, weight: 47.6±7.6 kg, BMI: 18.8±2.0kg/ m 2 ) were randomly allocated to either a mist or non-mist condition.The data were collected during three practice days in Tokyo, August 2024.During practice, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and wet-bulb globe temperature were recorded.Each practice session lasted 90 minutes.Outcome measurements included change of body weight, body water composition, urine specific gravity, estimated core temperature, heart rate, and the rating of perceived exertion.Estimated core temperature and heart rate were monitored continuously during exercise. RESULTS:All practices were conducted with wet-bulb globe temperature around 32-35°C across visits.On visit 1, ambient temperature was significantly lower in the mist condition (p<.05).No significant differences were found in body weight, body water composition, or urine specific gravity between conditions (p>.05).However, rating of perceived exertion on visit 2 was significantly lower in the mist condition (p<.01).Estimated core temperature on visit 3 was significantly lower in the mist condition (p<.05).In addition, heart rate on visit 2 was also significantly lower in the mist condition (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS:Mist spraying on artificial turf may attenuate exercise-induced elevations in rating of perceived exertion, estimated core temperature, and heart rate in hot environments.We conclude that mist spraying may reduce the physiological stress on youth soccer players.