Four time NBA champion (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) and NBA Finals MVP of 2007 played at a glacier place in Switzerland about 2.15 miles or 11330 feet above sea level. Tissot the long-partner sponsor of Parker asked if he can play in a high altitude place in Switzerland “Aletsch Glacier”. They ride a helicopter to reach the Alps place of Switzerland.
The Spurs guard led his his French team of ASVEL Villeurbanne against a selection of Swiss Leaguers. We all know that being at a high altitude is so cold, all players on both team wearing a bubble jacket underneath their jersey to protect their body.
image from MANUEL LOPEZ/AP)
How safe playing in a cold environment
Vasoconstriction – Decreases blood flow to the periphery to prevent loss of body heat.
Shivering – While involuntary shivering generates heat through increased muscle activity, it may also hinder an athlete’s sport performance and ability to perform behavioral tasks to aid in heat retention.
Activity increase – Increases heat production through a general increase in metabolic activity. Quick bouts of intense activity can generate incredible amounts of heat.
Behavioral responses – Adjusting the number and type of clothing layers will result in heat regulation by controlling the amount of heat lost by the body.
See video below of parker playing…
There are two cold-related pathologies that coaches, administrators and athletes should be aware of: hypothermia and frostbite.
Hypothermia is defined as a decrease in the core body temperature to at least 95 degrees F. It occurs when the heat loss is greater than the metabolic and heat production. Hypothermia can be categorized in three stages: mild, moderate and severe, based on core body temperature.
Frostbite is a thermal injury to the skin, which can result from prolonged exposure to moderate cold or brief exposure to extreme cold. The body areas most prone to frostbite are the hands, feet, nose, ears and cheeks. Frostbite can be classified into three basic categories: frostnip, superficial frostbite and deep frostbite.
Source: USA TODAY, Cold Weather Illness
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