For the purpose of examining relative impact of the middle-distance triathlon race (Swim : 2.0 km, Bike : 90.0 km, Run : 21.0 km), blood samples were taken on the day before, immediately after, and the day following the race from triathletes who participated in a middle-distance triathlon race at Tokunoshima, Kagoshima in June 1993. White blood cell count was significantly increased immediately after the race.It was recovered on the next day to the value observed before the race. Serum creatine phosphokinase activity was elevated significantly immediately after the competition. It continued to rise up to the level of about 4 times higher than the pre-race value. In terms of renal function, serum creatinine concentration showed a significant increase immediately after the competition. However, it recovered to normal range by the day after the competition. In addition, serum urea nitrogen concentration was also significantly increased after the competition. It remained at the high level until the day after the competition. In conclusion, it might be suggested that the middle-distance triathlon gives a significant impact on human body, even though it is quntitatively less than the long-distance type (Swim : 3.9 km, Bike : 180.2 km, Run : 42.2 km) .

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among helmet surface temperature (Thl), head top temperature (Thd) and tympanic temperature (Tty) during American football practice in summer. Methods : The subjects were collegiate American football players. Temperatures were measured in August in 1993 and 1994. Thl, Thd and Tty were measured by infrared tympanic thermometers. Environmental temperatures that were measured were dry-bulb temperature (Td), wet-bulb temperature (Tw), globe temperature (GT) and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) . Results: Significant correlations were observed among all measured temperatures (P<0.0001) . High coefficients of correlation were observed among Thl, Thd and GT. The highest relationships were observed between Thl and Thd (r=.727), and between Tty and Td (r=.766) . The coefficient of correlation between Tty and Thl was higher than that between Tty and Thd. Heat stress of the whole body (F1; heat stress factor: Tty, Td, Tw and WBGT, proportion=71.4%) and head environment factor (F2 ; helmet factor : Thl, Thd and GT, proportion=14.3%) were chosen in factor analysis. A close relationship was observed between both factors (r=.773) . Both GT and Thl showed a high correlation with Thd, which suggests the influence of radiant heat through a helmet on the whole body. Conclusion : The temperature in a helmet is a micro environment temperature surrounding the head. Accordingly, the heat load is reduced by taking the helmet off frequently during football practice.