recent study from the University of Georgia
found a smartphone application designed to assess heat-related risks frequently reported temperatures that were lower than those recorded through direct on-site measurements.
The app also underestimated the necessity of activity modifications, such as shorter athletic practice schedules, moving physical activities indoors or more frequent water breaks. That could lead to potential safety concerns for athletes, students and other individuals exposed to hot weather conditions.
"Heat is the leading weather killer in the U.S. and among the top three causes of sudden death in sports," said Andrew Grundstein, lead author of the study and a professor in the UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. "Effective environmental monitoring is essential to protecting communities from the growing risks of extreme heat."
Accuracy of smartphone apps is variable
Hot weather poses a significant risk for workers, athletes and military personnel participating in outdoor activities. To prevent heat-related illnesses, athletic programs and school districts, among others, regularly monitor local weather conditions and adjust activity levels and rest breaks accordingly.
They typically rely on onsite measurements of wet bulb globe temperature, which accounts for factors such as air temperature, humidity, wind and sunlight. Recently, smartphone applications have begun offering WBGT estimates as well.
"As more heat tracking tools, such as mobile apps, become available, it's important to assess their accuracy and effectiveness so athletic trainers and other professionals can make informed decisions," Grundstein said. "The big takeaway is that it's a good idea for those who want to use an app for heat safety to understand its accuracy and suitability for a particular location.
The present study suggests onsite WBGT measurements are still the most accurate way to safeguard vulnerable populations - at least for now.
App reported temperatures up to 4 degrees cooler in hot weather
Over two months, the research team gathered data from 26 high schools across 11 U.S. states, measuring WBGT on surfaces such as artificial turf and natural grass.
The results show that while the estimates from the smartphone application were generally similar to the onsite measurements, the app often reported cooler temperatures by up to 4 degrees. The app's accuracy was particularly spotty when WBGT was above 90 degrees, making it less likely to suggest needed activity modifications to keep athletes, students and other vulnerable individuals safe.
The study was published in Geo Health on March 25.
Co-authors on the study include Susan Yeargin, associate professor of Athletic Training, University of South Carolina; Lilly Cargile, UGA department of geography; Jordan Clark, Nicholas Distinguished Professor of Environmental Science, Duke University; Earl Cooper, UGA department of kinesiology; Rebecca Lopez, professor, Athletic Training Program, University of South Florida; Alicia Montalvo, clinical associate professor, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University; Kevin Miller, professor and athletic trainer, Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas State University; Samantha Scarneo-Miller, assistant professor, School of Medicine, West Virginia University; and Rebecca Stearns, COO, Korey Stringer Institute, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut.
