All of the following procedures should be followed when testing an athlete's CV fitness in the heat EXCEPT

• A. Performing the test in an indoor facility
• B. Using salt tablets to retain water
• C. Scheduling test in the morning
• D. Drinking fluids during the test

Answer: (B)

When testing cardiovascular fitness in hot conditions, key safety and accuracy factors are controlling heat stress and maintaining hydration so the test reflects fitness rather than heat strain. Using an indoor facility helps limit ambient heat and humidity, scheduling the test in the cooler part of the day reduces thermal load, and allowing fluids to be consumed during the test supports hydration and thermoregulation. Salt tablets to retain water, however, are not recommended for this setting because they can cause gastrointestinal distress and electrolyte imbalances, and they don’t reliably improve hydration or performance during a heat test. This is why that practice is the exception—the other approaches align with safe, valid cardiovascular testing in the heat.