Despite the widespread knowledge of exertional heat illness (EHI) and clear guidance for its
prevention, the incidence of EHI remains high. We carried out a systematic review of available
literature evaluating the scientific evidence underpinning the risk factors associated with EHI.
Medline, PsycINFO, SportDiscus and Embase were ...
Despite the widespread knowledge of exertional heat illness (EHI) and clear guidance for its
prevention, the incidence of EHI remains high. We carried out a systematic review of available
literature evaluating the scientific evidence underpinning the risk factors associated with EHI.
Medline, PsycINFO, SportDiscus and Embase were searched from inception to January 2019 with
no date limitation, with supplementary searches also being performed. Search terms included
permutations of risk and heat illness, with only studies in English included. Study selection,
data extraction and quality assessment, using the QUALSYST tool, were performed by two
independent reviewers. Of 8898 articles identified by the searches, 42 were included in the
systematic review as primary evidence demonstrating a link between a risk factor and EHI. The
quality scores ranged from 57.50 to 100%, and studies were generally considered to be of strong
quality. The majority of risks attributable to EHI were categorized as those associated with lifestyle factors. The findings from the systematic review suggest complex manifestation of EHI through multiple risk factors rather than any one factor in isolation. Further research is needed
to explore the accumulation of risk factors to help in development of effective preventative measures.