Increases in body temperature potentially contributed to enhanced power performance in the initial phases of the game; however, further exertion led to hyperthermia, which may have contributed to the observed decline in performance. ... The increase in performance matched the increase in body temperature.

How does environmental temperature affect athletic performance?

High heat and humidity lead to two problems in the exercising body: 1) increased core body temperature and 2) dehydration. Increased body temperature (hyperthermia) leads to decreased muscle endurance, which means the muscle's ability to contract repeatedly or in a sustained manner over long periods of time.

Why does hyperthermia happen to an athlete?

Turning up the heat

There are three common causes of hyperthermia in athletes: high exercise intensity, high air temperature and high relative humidity. Any athlete – female or male – who pushes themselves too fast, for too long, in hot and humid conditions can experience performance-degrading hyperthermia.