What does cardiac drift refer to during physical activity?

Cardiac drift refers to the gradual increase in heart rate that occurs during sustained physical activity, even when the intensity of the exercise remains constant. This phenomenon typically happens as the body loses fluids through sweat and experiences a decrease in blood volume, which leads to the heart working harder to supply oxygenated blood to the muscles. As exercise continues, the heart rate rises to compensate for these changes and maintain performance.

Understanding this concept is essential for coaches, as it helps in monitoring an athlete's cardiovascular response during long-duration activities and in making necessary adjustments to hydration strategies and intensity levels. This awareness can ultimately aid in improving performance and reducing the risk of fatigue or heat-related issues during training and competition.