META-ANALYSIS OF COOLING BLANKET EFFICACY IN MANAGING HEAT RADIATION ILLNESS IN ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy of cooling blankets in managing heat-related illnesses in athletes, a critical concern in sports medicine. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in major Chinese databases, including CNKI and Wanfang, to identify studies on the use of cooling blankets for treating heat radiation disease in athletes. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data extraction was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. The analysis focused on changes in body temperature and the incidence of complications following treatment. Results: After initial screening and full-text review, 12 Chinese studies involving 829 athletes were included in the analysis. The results showed that athletes in the treatment group experienced a significantly greater reduction in body temperature at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, and 2 hours post-treatment compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the rate of complications was significantly lower in the group treated with cooling blankets (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of cooling blankets is highly effective in rapidly reducing body temperature and decreasing the risk of heat-related complications in athletes. This treatment enhances the safety and speed of recovery from heat radiation illness, making it a valuable tool in sports medicine for improving athlete care during training and competition in hot conditions. The findings support broader clinical application and integration of cooling blankets in athletic health management protocols.