Cooling during Exercise in Temperate Conditions: Impact on Performance and Thermoregulation

• Published in: International journal of sports medicine 2014-09, Vol.35 (10), p.840-846
• Main Authors: Eijsvogels, T. M. H., Bongers, C. C. W. G., Veltmeijer, M. T. W., Moen, M. H., Hopman, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Athletic Performance - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Body Temperature Regulation - physiology; Cross-Over Studies; Exercise - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Heart Rate; Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology; Humans; Lactic Acid - blood; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Skin Temperature; Temperature; Training & Testing; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
• ISSN: 0172-4622; 1439-3964
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1368723

Abstract Exercise-induced increase in core body temperature may lead to the development of hyperthermia (>40.0°C) and/or decreased performance levels. This study examined the effects of wearing a cooling vest during a 5-km time trial on thermoregulatory responses and performance. 10 male masters athletes (42±10 years) performed a 5-km time trial on a motorized treadmill in a climate chamber (25°C, 55% relative humidity) with and without a cooling vest. Split times, heart rate, core-, skin- and cooling vest temperature were measured every 500 m. Subjects also rated thermal comfort and level of perceived exertion. The cooling vest significantly decreased heart rate (p