Effects Of Forearm Cooling On Thermal Responses And Exercise Performance During Intermittent Exercise In The Heat.
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| Title: | Effects Of Forearm Cooling On Thermal Responses And Exercise Performance During Intermittent Exercise In The Heat. |
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| Authors: | Filep, Erica M.1, Szymanski, Michael R.1, Navarro, John S.1, Nye, Megan1, Dierickx, Erin E.1, Casa, Douglas J.1 |
| Source: | Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2021 Supplement, Vol. 53 Issue 8S, p349-349. 1/3p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Exercise physiology, *Conferences & conventions, *Exercise, Heat, Forearm, Induced hypothermia, Body movement |
| Abstract: | Intermittent forearm cooling has been examined in the warfighter and firefighter populations, suggesting improvements in thermoregulation and performance. However, there is a lack of data demonstrating the effects of intermittent forearm cooling in the athletic population. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of intermittent forearm cooling during exercise in the heat on rectal temperature, heart rate, sweat rate, perceptual measures, and post-exercise performance variables. METHODS: Twelve college-aged males (mean ± SD; age, 25 ± 4 y; VO2 max, 57 ± 6 mL/kg/min; body mass, 74 ± 13 kg; height, 178 ± 9 cm) performed intermittent running on a treadmill in the heat (35C, 50% RH). Exercise included six, 20-minute bouts, with 3-minute rest periods in between each bout. Subjects completed two trials, one with forearm immersion (FAI) in ice water (15C) and one with seated rest (CON) during the break periods. Following the last bout of exercise, subjects completed a performance battery designed which included a reaction test, broad jump, grip strength, sprint test, and 1.61 km time trial. Dependent t-tests were utilized to assess differences in rectal temperature (Trec), heart rate (HR), sweat rate (SWR), perceptual measures, and performance variables between FAI and CoN trials. RESULTS: No differences in end Trec or HR were observed between trials or performance battery. During the exercise bouts, cooling trials resulted in significantly lower SWR (n = 12, FAI: 0.98 ± 0.3 L/hr, CON: 1.13 ± 0.4 L/hr, p = 0.023) and lower thirst sensation (n = 12, FAI: 3 ± 1, CON: 3 ± 2, p = 0.002). During the performance battery, differences were only observed in grip strength (n = 12, FAI: 43 ± 5 kg/m², CON: 38 ± 6 kg/m², p = 0.000) and the 1.61 km time trial (n = 11, FAI: 9:29 ± 3:38 mins CON: 10:18 ± 4:06 mins p = 0.047). Prior to the 1.61 km time trial, thermal sensation (n = 11, FAI: 4 ± 1, CON 6 ± 1, p = 0.005) and fatigue (n = 11, FAI: 4 ± 2, CON: 5 ± 2, p = 0.045) were lower in FAI when compared to CON. CONCLUSION: Forearm cooling during exercise in the heat may be beneficial for grip strength and 1.61 km time trial after fatiguing bouts of exercise when compared to CON. This study suggests that forearm cooling may delay end-exercise fatigue and perceived thermal strain in those that participate in long-duration activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Education Research Complete |
| Abstract: | Intermittent forearm cooling has been examined in the warfighter and firefighter populations, suggesting improvements in thermoregulation and performance. However, there is a lack of data demonstrating the effects of intermittent forearm cooling in the athletic population. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of intermittent forearm cooling during exercise in the heat on rectal temperature, heart rate, sweat rate, perceptual measures, and post-exercise performance variables. METHODS: Twelve college-aged males (mean ± SD; age, 25 ± 4 y; VO2 max, 57 ± 6 mL/kg/min; body mass, 74 ± 13 kg; height, 178 ± 9 cm) performed intermittent running on a treadmill in the heat (35C, 50% RH). Exercise included six, 20-minute bouts, with 3-minute rest periods in between each bout. Subjects completed two trials, one with forearm immersion (FAI) in ice water (15C) and one with seated rest (CON) during the break periods. Following the last bout of exercise, subjects completed a performance battery designed which included a reaction test, broad jump, grip strength, sprint test, and 1.61 km time trial. Dependent t-tests were utilized to assess differences in rectal temperature (Trec), heart rate (HR), sweat rate (SWR), perceptual measures, and performance variables between FAI and CoN trials. RESULTS: No differences in end Trec or HR were observed between trials or performance battery. During the exercise bouts, cooling trials resulted in significantly lower SWR (n = 12, FAI: 0.98 ± 0.3 L/hr, CON: 1.13 ± 0.4 L/hr, p = 0.023) and lower thirst sensation (n = 12, FAI: 3 ± 1, CON: 3 ± 2, p = 0.002). During the performance battery, differences were only observed in grip strength (n = 12, FAI: 43 ± 5 kg/m², CON: 38 ± 6 kg/m², p = 0.000) and the 1.61 km time trial (n = 11, FAI: 9:29 ± 3:38 mins CON: 10:18 ± 4:06 mins p = 0.047). Prior to the 1.61 km time trial, thermal sensation (n = 11, FAI: 4 ± 1, CON 6 ± 1, p = 0.005) and fatigue (n = 11, FAI: 4 ± 2, CON: 5 ± 2, p = 0.045) were lower in FAI when compared to CON. CONCLUSION: Forearm cooling during exercise in the heat may be beneficial for grip strength and 1.61 km time trial after fatiguing bouts of exercise when compared to CON. This study suggests that forearm cooling may delay end-exercise fatigue and perceived thermal strain in those that participate in long-duration activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 01959131 |
| DOI: | 10.1249/01.mss.0000763296.44189.53 |
