The effect of warm-up on high-intensity, intermittent running using nonmotorized treadmill ergometry

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of previous warming on high-intensity intermittent running using nonmotorized treadmill ergometry. Ten male soccer players completed a repeated sprint test (10 x 6-second sprints with 34-second recovery) on a nonmotorized treadmill preceded by an active warm-up (10 minutes of running: 70% VO2max; mean core temperature (Tc) 37.8 +/- 0.2 degrees C), a passive warm-up (hot water submersion: 40.1 +/- 0.2 degrees C until Tc reached that of the active warm-up; 10 minutes +/- 23 seconds), or no warm-up (control). All warm-up conditions were followed by a 10-minute static recovery period with no stretching permitted. After the 10-minute rest period, Tc was higher before exercise in the passive trial (38.0 +/- 0.2 degrees C) compared to the active (37.7 +/- 0.4 degrees C) and control trials (37.2 +/- 0.2 degrees C; p < 0.05). There were no differences in pre-exercise oxygen consumption and blood lactate concentration; however, heart rate was greater in the active trial (p < 0.05). The peak mean 1-second maximum speed (MxSP) and group mean MxSP were not different in the active and passive trials (7.28 +/- 0.12 and 7.16 +/- 0.10 m x s(-1), respectively, and 7.07 +/- 0.33 and 7.02 +/- 0.24 m x s(-1), respectively; p > 0.05), although both were greater than the control. The percentage of decrement in performance fatigue was similar between all conditions (active, 3.4 +/- 1.3%; passive, 4.0 +/- 2.0%; and control, 3.7 +/- 2.4%). We conclude that there is no difference in high-intensity intermittent running performance when preceded by an active or passive warm-up when matched for post-warm-up Tc. However, repeated sprinting ability is significantly improved after both active and passive warm-ups compared to no warm-up.     

Influence of betaine consumption on strenuous running and sprinting in a hot environment

This investigation evaluated the effects of a nutritional supplement (the organic osmolyte betaine) in rehydration solutions, with and without carbohydrate and electrolytes. Ten male runners ((mean +/- SD) age, 20 +/- 2 years; weight, 70.6 +/- 6.8 kg; maximal aerobic power, 63.5 +/- 4.1 mL O2 x kg(-1) x min(-1)) dehydrated to -2.7% of body weight. They next rehydrated to -1.4% of body weight by consuming 1 L fluid during each of four experiments (double-blind, randomized, cross-over design): flavored, non-caloric water (W); W + 5 g x L(-1) betaine (W+B); 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte fluid (C); or C + 5 g x L(-1) betaine (C+B). Subjects then performed prolonged treadmill running (75 minutes at 65%Vo2max) plus a performance sprint to volitional exhaustion (3.1-3.8 minutes at 84%Vo2max) in an environmental chamber (31.1 degrees C, 88.0 degrees F). Only W versus W+B and C versus C+B statistical comparisons were germane to the research questions. Observations indicated that rehydration with fluids containing betaine resulted in significant differences (p < 0.05) of plasma volume, oxygen consumption, plasma lactate concentration, and thermal sensation. The present experiments did not support the use of betaine to improve sprint duration, but nonsignificant trends occurred when betaine trials were compared with non-betaine trials (mean C+B > C by 32 seconds, +16%; mean W+B > W by 38 seconds, +21%). We interpret the increases of both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism (C+B > C) to mean that further investigation of betaine as a nutritional supplement, using other types of exercise, is warranted.     

Effect of selected recovery conditions on performance of repeated bouts of intermittent cycling separated by 24 hours

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of active recovery (AR), massage (MR), and cold water immersion (CR) on performance of repeated bouts of high-intensity cycling separated by 24 hours. For each recovery condition, subjects were asked to take part in 2 intermittent cycling sessions; 18 minutes of varying work intervals performed in succession at a resistance of 80 g/kg body weight separated by 24 hours. One of four 15-minute recovery conditions immediately followed the first session and included: (a) AR, cycling at 30% Vo(2)max; (b) CR, immersion of legs in a 15 degrees C water bath; (c) MR, massage of the legs; and (d) control, seated rest. Only the control condition showed a significant decline in the total work completed between the first and second exercise sessions (108.1 +/- 5.4 kJ vs. 106.0 +/- 5.0 kJ, p < 0.05). Thus, AR, MR, and CR appeared to facilitate the recovery process between 2 high-intensity, intermittent exercise sessions separated by 24 hours.     

The impact of different pacing strategies on five-kilometer running time trial performance

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal 1.63-km (1-mile) pacing strategy for 5-km running performance in moderately trained women distance runners. Eleven women distance runners (20.7 +/- 0.8 years, 163.8 +/- 2.0 cm, 57.0 +/- 2.2 kg, 51.7 +/- 1.0 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), 18.9 +/- 0.8% fat, 78.1 +/- 1.4% VO(2)max at lactate threshold) performed 2 preliminary 5-km time trials on a treadmill to establish baseline 5-km times. The average 1.63-km split pace of the fastest preliminary trial was manipulated for the first 1.63 km of the experimental trials and run either equal to (EVEN), 3% faster than (3%), or 6% faster than (6%) the current baseline average 1.63-km pace for each subject. Ventilation (V(E)), oxygen consumption VO(2)max )), respiratory exchange ratio, and heart rate were measured continuously. Overall 5-km times were not different (p > 0.05) for the EVEN, 3% and 6% trials finishing in 21:11 (minutes/seconds) +/- 29 seconds, 20:52 +/- 36 seconds and 20:39 +/- 29 seconds, respectively. The fastest time for 8 subjects resulted from the 6% trial and the other 3 subjects' fastest times resulted from the 3% trial. The overall exercise intensity (%VO(2)max , %VO(2)max above lactate threshold, V(E), and respiratory exchange ratio) of the first 1.63-km split was not different between the 3 and 6% trials, despite the 6% trial being 13 seconds faster than the 3% trial. Based on these findings, initial 1.63-km starting paces of a 5-km race can be 3 to 6% greater than current average race pace without negatively impacting performance. In order to optimize 5-km performance, runners should start the initial 1.63 km of a 5-km race at paces 3-6% greater than their current average race pace.     

Wearing a cooling jacket during exercise reduces thermal strain and improves endurance exercise performance in a warm environment

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of wearing a cooling jacket on thermoregulatory responses and endurance exercise performance in a warm environment. Nine untrained male subjects cycled for 60 minutes at 60% Vo(2)max (Ex1) and then immediately exercised to exhaustion at 80% Vo(2)max (Ex2) in 32.0 +/- 0.2 degrees C and 70-80% relative humidity. Four separate conditions were set during exercise: no water intake (NW), water intake (W), wearing a cooling jacket (C) and the combination of C and W (C+W). Rectal temperatures (T(re)) before Ex1 were not different between the 4 conditions, whereas at the end of Ex1 T(re) of C+W was significantly lower than the C and W (p < 0.05). Mean skin temperature (T(sk)) was significantly lower in C and C+W than the NW and W during Ex1. Heart rate of C and C+W were significantly lower than the NW and W, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in C+W was lower than in the other conditions. Exercise time to exhaustion was significantly longer in C+W than in the other conditions (NW < W, C < C+W; p < 0.05), whereas T(re) at exhaustion was not different. Our results indicate that the combination of wearing a cooling jacket and water intake enhances exercise endurance performance in a warm environment because of a widened temperature margin before the critical limiting temperature is reached and also because of decreased thermoregulatory and cardiovascular strain.     

Comparison of body cooling methods on physiological and perceptual measures of mildly hyperthermic athletes

Hyperthermia is common among athletes and in a variety of environments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cooling methods on core body temperature, heart rate (HR), and perceptual readings in individuals after exercise. Sixteen subjects (age: 24 ± 6 years, height: 182 ± 7 cm, weight: 74.03 ± 9.17 kg, and body fat: 17.08 ± 6.23%) completed 10 exercise sessions in warm conditions (WBGT: 26.64 ± 4.71°C) followed by body cooling by 10 different methods. Cooling methods included cold water immersion (CWI), shade, Port-a-Cool? (FAN), Emergency Cold Containment System? (ECCS), Rehab. Hood? (HOOD), Game Ready Active Cooling Vest? (GRV), Nike Ice Vest? (NIV), ice buckets (IBs), and ice towels (IT). These cooling modes were compared with a control (SUN). Rectal temperature (T(re)), HR, thermal sensation, thirst sensation, and a 56-question Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire (ESQ) were used to assess physiological and perceptual data. Average T(re) after exercise across all trials was 38.73 ± 0.12°C. After 10 minutes of cooling, CWI (-0.65 ± 0.29°C), ECCS (-0.68 ± 0.24°C), and IB (-0.74 ± 0.34°C) had significantly (p < 0.006) greater decreases in T(re) compared with that in SUN (-0.42 ± 0.15°C). The HR after 10 minutes of cooling was significantly (p < 0.006) lower for CWI (82 ± 15 b·min(-1)), ECCS (87 ± 14 b·min(-1)), and IT (84 ± 15 b·min(-1)) when compared with SUN (101 ± 15 b·min(-1)). The thermal sensation between modalities was all significantly (p < 0.006) lower (CWI: 1.5 ± 0.5; Fan: 3.0 ± 1.0; ECCS: 4.5 ± 1.0; Hood: 4.5 ± 0.5; GRV: 4.0 ± 0.5; NIV: 4.5 ± 1.0; IB: 4.0 ± 1.0; IT: 3.0 ± 1.0) when compared with SUN (5.5 ± 0.5), except for Shade (5.0 ± 1.0). There were no significant differences (p > 0.006) in thirst sensation between modalities. The ESQ scores were significantly (p < 0.006) lower for CWI (1 ± 6), Fan (4 ± 5), and IT (3 ± 8) compared with that for SUN (13 ± 12). In conclusion, when athletes experience mild hyperthermia, CWI, ECCS, and IB resulted in a significantly greater decrease in T(re). These cooling strategies are recommended to decrease T(re) during a brief recovery period between exercise bouts.     

Metabolic and performance effects of raisins versus sports gel as pre-exercise feedings in cyclists

Research suggests that pre-exercise sources of dietary carbohydrate with varying glycemic indexes may differentially affect metabolism and endurance. This study was designed to examine potential differences in metabolism and cycling performance after consumption of moderate glycemic raisins vs. a high glycemic commercial sports gel. Eight endurance-trained male (n = 4) and female (n = 4) cyclists 30 +/- 5 years of age completed 2 trials in random order. Subjects were fed 1 g carbohydrate per kilogram body weight from either raisins or sports gel 45 minutes prior to exercise on a cycle ergometer at 70% V(.-)O2max. After 45 minutes of submaximal exercise, subjects completed a 15-minute performance trial. Blood was collected prior to the exercise bout, as well as after the 45th minute of exercise, to determine serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, lactate, free fatty acids (FFAs), triglycerides, and beta-hydroxybutyrate. Performance was not different (p > 0.05) between the raisin (189.5 +/- 69.9 kJ) and gel (188.0 +/- 64.8 kJ) trials. Prior to exercise, serum concentrations of glucose and other fuel substrates did not differ between trials; however, insulin was higher (p < 0.05) for the gel (110.0 +/- 70.4 microU x ml(-1)) vs. raisin trial (61.4 +/- 37.4 microU x ml(-1)). After 45 minutes of exercise, insulin decreased to 14.2 +/- 6.2 microU x ml(-1) and 13.3 +/- 18.9 microU x ml(-1) for gel and raisin trials, respectively. The FFA concentration increased (+0.2 +/- 0.1 mmol x L(-1)) significantly (p < 0.05) during the raisin trial. Overall, minor differences in metabolism and no difference in performance were detected between the trials. Raisins appear to be a cost-effective source of carbohydrate for pre-exercise feeding in comparison to sports gel for short-term exercise bouts.     

Acute effects of plyometric exercise on maximum squat performance in male athletes

This study examines the acute effects of plyometric exercise on 1 repetition maximum (RM) squat performance in trained male athletes. Twelve men (mean age +/- SD: 20.5 +/- 1.4 years) volunteered to participate in 3 testing sessions separated by at least 6 days of rest. During each testing session the 1RM was assessed on back squat exercise. Before all 3 trials subjects warmed up on a stationary cycle for 5 minutes and performed static stretching. Subjects then performed 5 submaximal sets of 1-8 repetitions before attempting a 1RM lift. Subjects rested for at least 4 minutes between 1RM trials. During the first testing session (T1) subjects performed a series of sets with increasing load until their 1RM was determined. During the second and third testing sessions subjects performed in counterbalanced order either 3 double-leg tuck jumps (TJ) or 2 depth jumps (DJ) 30 seconds before each 1RM attempt. The average 1RM lifts after T1 and testing sessions with TJ or DJ were 139.6 +/- 29.3 kg, 140.5 +/- 25.6 kg, and 144.5 +/- 30.2 kg, respectively (T1 < DJ; p < 0.05). These data suggest that DJ performed before 1RM testing may enhance squat performance in trained male athletes.     

Physiological responses to interval training sessions at velocities associated with VO2max

Previous research has indicated that short-duration, high-intensity work intervals performed at velocities associated with maximal oxygen uptake (vVO2max) combined with active recovery intervals may be effective in eliciting improvements in endurance performance. This study was designed to characterize selected physiological responses to short-duration (< or = 60 seconds) interval work performed at velocities corresponding to 100% of vVO2max. Twelve men participated in 3 randomized trials consisting of treadmill running using work (W)/recovery (R) intervals of 15 seconds W/15 seconds R (15/15); 30 seconds W/15 seconds R (30/15); and 60 seconds W/15 seconds R (60/15). Work intervals were performed at 100% of vVO2max, whereas R intervals were performed at 50% of vVO2max. A fourth trial consisting of continuous work (C) at 100% of vVO2max was also performed. All subjects completed the 15/15 and 30/15 trials; however, only 5 of the 12 completed the 60/15 trial. The percentage of VO2max (mean +/- SD) during 15/15 (71.6 +/- 4.2%) was significantly lower (p < or = 0.05) than the percentages during 30/15 (84.6 +/- 4.0%), 60/15 (89.2 +/- 4.2%), or C (87.9 +/- 5.0%). Similar results were found for heart rate and perceived exertion. Blood lactate concentrations following exercise were significantly lower (p < or = 0.05) in 15/15 (7.3 +/- 2.4 mmol x L(-1)) than in the other trials. No significant differences (p > 0.05) existed among 30/15 (11.5 +/- 1.8 mmol x L(-1)), 60/15 (12.5 +/- 1.8 mmol x L(-1)) or C (12.1 +/- 1.8 mmol x L(-1)). High intensity, short-duration 2:1 W/R intervals appear to produce responses that may benefit both aerobic and anaerobic energy system development. A 4:1 W/R ratio may be an upper limit for individuals in the initial phases of interval training.     

Effect of water temperature on cooling efficiency during hyperthermia in humans.

We evaluated the cooling rate of hyperthermic subjects, as measured by rectal temperature (T(re)), during immersion in a range of water temperatures. On 4 separate days, seven subjects (4 men, 3 women) exercised at 65% maximal oxygen consumption at an ambient temperature of 39 degrees C until T(re) increased to 40 degrees C (45.4 +/- 4.1 min). After exercise, the subjects were immersed in a circulated water bath controlled at 2, 8, 14, or 20 degrees C until T(re) returned to 37.5 degrees C. No difference in cooling rate was observed between the immersions at 8, 14, and 20 degrees C despite the differences in the skin surface-to-water temperature gradient, possibly because of the presence of shivering at 8 and 14 degrees C. Compared with the other conditions, however, the rate of cooling (0.35 +/- 0.14 degrees C/min) was significantly greater during the 2 degrees C water immersion, in which shivering was seldom observed. This rate was almost twice as much as the other conditions (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that 2 degrees C water is the most effective immersion treatment for exercise-induced hyperthermia.     

The effect of cold water immersion on 48-hour performance testing in collegiate soccer players

This randomized, controlled, laboratory study was designed to examine the effect of cold water immersion (CWI) as a recovery modality on repeat performance on the yo-yo intermittent recovery test (YIRT), a widely accepted tool for the evaluation of physical performance in soccer, separated by 48 hours. Twenty-two healthy Division I collegiate soccer players (13 men and 9 women; age, 19.8 ± 1.1 years; height, 174.0 ± 9.0 cm; mass, 72.1 ± 9.1 kg) volunteered as participants during the noncompetitive season. The YIRT was used to induce volitional fatigue and was administered at baseline and again 48 hours later. Athletes progressively increased sprint speed between markers set 20 m apart until pace was failed. Countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) was used to assess anaerobic power and was measured before YIRT, immediately post-YIRT, and 24 and 48 hours post-YIRT. A 10-cm horizontal visual analog scale was administered immediately, 24 hours and 48 hours post-YIRT to assess perceived fatigue (PF) in the legs. Participants were randomly placed into the CWI or control group. The CWI condition consisted of immersion to the umbilicus in a 12°C pool for 15 minutes, whereas the control group sat quietly for 15 minutes. There were no significant differences between intervention conditions on YIRT performance (control, 4,900 ± 884 m; CWI, 5,288 ± 1,000 m; p = 0.35) or PF (control, 9.4 ± 0.5 cm; CWI, 9.3 ± 0.6 cm; p = 0.65) at 48 hours post-YIRT. There was a main time effect for CMVJ over 48 hours, but no group differences (pre-YIRT, 64.6 ± 11.0 cm; post-YIRT, 66.4 ± 10.9 cm; 24 hours post-YIRT, 63.4 ± 9.9 cm; 48 hours post-YIRT, 63.1 ± 9.4 cm; p = 0.02). This study demonstrated that in collegiate soccer players, CWI performed immediately and 24 hours after induced volitional fatigue did not affect subsequent physical performance estimates.     

Thermoregulatory responses to cold water at different times of day.

This study examined how time of day affects thermoregulation during cold-water immersion (CWI). It was hypothesized that the shivering and vasoconstrictor responses to CWI would differ at 0700 vs. 1500 because of lower initial core temperatures (T(core)) at 0700. Nine men were immersed (20 degrees C, 2 h) at 0700 and 1500 on 2 days. No differences (P > 0.05) between times were observed for metabolic heat production (M, 150 W. m(-2)), heat flow (250 W. m(-2)), mean skin temperature (T(sk), 21 degrees C), and the mean body temperature-change in M (DeltaM) relationship. Rectal temperature (T(re)) was higher (P < 0.05) before (Delta = 0.4 degrees C) and throughout CWI during 1500. The change in T(re) was greater (P < 0. 05) at 1500 (-1.4 degrees C) vs. 0700 (-1.2 degrees C), likely because of the higher T(re)-T(sk) gradient (0.3 degrees C) at 1500. These data indicate that shivering and vasoconstriction are not affected by time of day. These observations raise the possibility that CWI may increase the risk of hypothermia in the early morning because of a lower initial T(core).     

Free fatty acid availability and temperature regulation in cold water

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a reduced availability of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) would impair human temperature regulation during cold exposure. Seven seminude male subjects were immersed on two occasions in 18 degrees C water for 90 min or until their rectal temperature (Tre) decreased to 35.5 degrees C. The immersion occurred after 2 h of intermittent oral ingestion of either nicotinic acid (NIC) or a placebo (PLAC). Plasma FFA levels immediately before the immersion were significantly lower in NIC (87 +/- 15 mumol/l) than in PLAC (655 +/- 116 mumol/l, P less than 0.05). Although FFA levels increased by 73% in NIC during the immersion (P less than 0.05), they remained significantly lower than in PLAC (151 +/- 19 vs. 716 +/- 74 mumol/l, P less than 0.05) throughout the immersion. Muscle glycogen concentrations in the vastus lateralis decreased after cold water immersion in both trials (P less than 0.05), but the rate of glycogen utilization was similar, averaging 1.00 +/- 0.27 mmol glucose unit.kg dry muscle-1.min-1). Plasma glucose levels were significantly reduced after immersion in both trials (P less than 0.05), this decrease being greater in NIC (1.3 +/- 0.2 mmol/l) than in PLAC (0.7 +/- 0.1 mmol/l, P less than 0.05). O2 uptake increased to 3.8 +/- 0.3 times preimmersion values in both trials (P less than 0.05). Mean respiratory exchange ratio (RER) immediately before the immersion was greater in NIC (0.87 +/- 0.02) than in PLAC (0.77 +/- 0.01, P less than 0.05). Cold exposure increased RER in PLAC but not in NIC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of pre-performance lower-limb massage on thirty-meter sprint running

Massage is a commonly utilized therapy within sports, frequently intended as an ergogenic aid prior to performance. However, evidence as to the efficacy of massage in this respect is lacking, and massage may in some instances reduce force production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of massage on subsequent 30-m sprint running performance. Male university level repeat sprint sports players volunteered for the study (n = 37). After each of 3 treatment conditions, subjects completed a standardized warm-up followed by three 30-m sprint trials in a counterbalanced crossover design. Treatment conditions were 15 minutes of lower-limb massage (M), 15 minutes of placebo ultrasound (PU), and rest (R). Thirty-meter sprint times were recorded (including 10-m split times) for the 3 trials under each condition. Best times at 10 m (M: 1.85 +/- 0.09 seconds, PU: 1.84 +/- 0.11 seconds, R: 1.83 +/- 0.10 seconds) and 30 m (M: 4.41 +/- 0.27 seconds, PU: 4.39 +/- 0.28 seconds, R: 4.39 +/- 0.28 seconds) were not significantly different (p > 0.05). There was no significant treatment, trial, or interaction effect for 10- or 30-m sprint times (p > 0.05). No difference was seen in the location of subjects' best times across the 3 trials (p > 0.05). Relative to placebo or control, the results of this study showed that a controlled 15-minute lower-limb massage administered prior to warm-up had no significant effect on subsequent 30-m sprint performance. Massage remains indicated prior to performance where other benefits, such as reduced muscle spasm and psychological stress, might be served to the athlete.     

Effects of muscle glycogen and plasma FFA availability on human metabolic responses in cold water.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether simultaneous alterations in the availability of plasma free fatty acids and muscle glycogen would impair the maintenance of thermal balance during cold water immersion in humans. Eight seminude subjects were immersed on two occasions in 18 degrees C water for 90 min or until rectal temperature (Tre) decreased to 35.5 degrees C. Each immersion followed 2.5 days of a specific dietary and exercise regimen designed to elicit low (LOW) or high glycogen levels (HIGH) in large skeletal muscle groups. Nicotinic acid (1.6 mg/kg) was administered for 2 h before and during immersion to inhibit white adipose tissue lipolysis. Biopsies from the vastus lateralis showed that the glycogen concentration before the immersion was significantly lower in LOW than in HIGH (223 +/- 19 vs. 473 +/- 24 mmol glucose units/kg dry muscle). However, the mean rates of glycogen utilization were not significantly different between trials (LOW 0.62 +/- 0.14 vs. HIGH 0.88 +/- 0.15 mmol glucose units.kg-1.min-1). Nicotinic acid dramatically reduced plasma free fatty acid levels in both trials, averaging 127 +/- 21 mumol/l immediately before the immersion. Cold water immersion did not significantly alter those levels. Plasma glucose levels were significantly reduced after cold water immersion to a similar extent in both trials (18 +/- 4%). Mean respiratory exchange ratio at rest and during immersion was greater in HIGH than LOW, whereas there were no intertrial differences in O2 uptake. The calculated average metabolic heat production during immersion tended to be lower (P = 0.054) in LOW than in HIGH (15.3 +/- 1.9 vs. 17.5 +/- 1.9 kJ/min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Thermoregulation during cold exposure: effects of prior exercise.

This study examined whether acute exercise would impair the body's capability to maintain thermal balance during a subsequent cold exposure. Ten men rested for 2 h during a standardized cold-air test (4.6 degrees C) after two treatments: 1) 60 min of cycle exercise (Ex) at 55% peak O(2) uptake and 2) passive heating (Heat). Ex was performed during a 35 degrees C water immersion (WI), and Heat was conducted during a 38.2 degrees C WI. The duration of Heat was individually adjusted (mean = 53 min) so that rectal temperature was similar at the end of WI in both Ex (38.2 degrees C) and Heat (38.1 degrees C). During the cold-air test after Ex, relative to Heat 1) rectal temperature was lower (P < 0.05) from minutes 40-120, 2) mean weighted heat flow was higher (P < 0.05), 3) insulation was lower (P < 0.05), and 4) metabolic heat production was not different. These results suggest that prior physical exercise may predispose a person to greater heat loss and to experience a larger decline in core temperature when subsequently exposed to cold air. The combination of exercise intensity and duration studied in these experiments did not fatigue the shivering response to cold exposure.     

Changes in thermal insulation during underwater exercise in Korean female wet-suit divers

The present work was undertaken to examine the effect of wet suits on the pattern of heat exchange during immersion in cold water. Four Korean women divers wearing wet suits were immersed to the neck in water of critical temperature (Tcw) while resting for 3 h or exercising (2-3 met on a bicycle ergometer) for 2 h. During immersion both rectal (Tre) and skin temperatures and O2 consumption (VO2) were measured, from which heat production (M = 4.83 VO2), skin heat loss (Hsk = 0.92 M +/- heat store change based on delta Tre), and thermal insulation were calculated. The average Tcw of the subjects with wet suits was 16.5 +/- 1.2 degrees C (SE), which was 12.3 degrees C lower than that of the same subjects with swim suits (28.8 +/- 0.4 degrees C). During the 3rd h of immersion, Tre and mean skin temperatures (Tsk) averaged 37.3 +/- 0.1 and 28.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C, and skin heat loss per unit surface area 42.3 +/- 2.66 kcal X m-2 X h. The calculated body insulation [Ibody = Tre - Tsk/Hsk] and the total shell insulation [Itotal = (Tre - TW)/Hsk] were 0.23 +/- 0.02 and 0.5 +/- 0.04 degrees C X kcal-1 X m2 X h, respectively. During immersion exercise, both Itotal and Ibody declined exponentially as the exercise intensity increased. Surprisingly, the insulation due to wet suit (Isuit = Itotal - Ibody) also decreased with exercise intensity, from 0.28 degrees C X kcal-1 X m2 X h at rest to 0.12 degrees C X kcal-1 X m2 X h at exercise levels of 2-3 met.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Hypohydration impairs endurance exercise performance in temperate but not cold air.

This study compared the effects of hypohydration (HYP) on endurance exercise performance in temperate and cold air environments. On four occasions, six men and two women (age = 24 +/- 6 yr, height = 170 +/- 6 cm, weight = 72.9 +/- 11.1 kg, peak O2 consumption = 48 +/- 9 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) were exposed to 3 h of passive heat stress (45 degrees C) in the early morning with [euhydration (EUH)] or without (HYP; 3% body mass) fluid replacement. Later in the day, subjects sat in a cold (2 degrees C) or temperate (20 degrees C) environment with minimal clothing for 1 h before performing 30 min of cycle ergometry at 50% peak O2 consumption followed immediately by a 30-min performance time trial. Rectal and mean skin temperatures, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion measurements were made at regular intervals. Performance was assessed by the total amount of work (kJ) completed in the 30-min time trial. Skin temperature was significantly lower in the cold compared with the temperate trial, but there was no independent effect of hydration. Rectal temperature in both HYP trials was higher than EUH after 60 min of exercise, but the difference was only significant within the temperate trials (P < 0.05). Heart rate was significantly higher at 30 min within the temperate trial (HYP > EUH) and at 60 min within the cold trial (HYP > EUH) (P < 0.05). Ratings of perceived exertion increased over time with no differences among trials. Total work performed during the 30-min time trial was not influenced by environment but was less (P < 0.05) for HYP than EUH in the temperate trials. The corresponding change in performance (EUH-HYP) was greater for temperate (-8%) than for cold (-3%) (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that 1) HYP impairs endurance exercise performance in temperate but not cold air but 2) cold stress per se does not.     

Examining the influence of hydration status on physiological responses and running speed during trail running in the heat with controlled exercise intensity

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dehydration at a controlled relative intensity on physiological responses and trail running speed. Using a randomized, controlled crossover design in a field setting, 14 male and female competitive, endurance runners aged 30 ± 10.4 years completed 2 (hydrated [HY] and dehydrated [DHY]) submaximal trail runs in a warm environment. For each trial, the subjects ran 3 laps (4 km per lap) on trails with 4-minute rests between laps. The DHY were fluid restricted 22 hours before the trial and during the run. The HY arrived euhydrated and were given water during rest breaks. The subjects ran at a moderate pace matched between trials by providing pacing feedback via heart rate (HR) throughout the second trial. Gastrointestinal temperature (T(GI)), HR, running time, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored. Percent body mass (BM) losses were significantly greater for DHY pretrial (-1.65 ± 1.34%) than for HY (-0.03 ± 1.28%; p < 0.001). Posttrial, DHY BM losses (-3.64 ± 1.33%) were higher than those for HY (-1.38 ± 1.43%; p < 0.001). A significant main effect of T(GI) (p = 0.009) was found with DHY having higher T(GI) postrun (DHY: 39.09 ± 0.45°C, HY: 38.71 ± 0.45°C; p = 0.030), 10 minutes post (DHY: 38.85 ± 0.48°C, HY: 38.46 ± 0.46°C; p = 0.009) and 30 minutes post (DHY: 38.18 ± 0.41°C, HY: 37.60 ± 0.25°C; p = 0.000). The DHY had slower run times after lap 2 (p = 0.019) and lap 3 (p = 0.025). The DHY subjects completed the 12-km run 99 seconds slower than the HY (p = 0.027) subjects did. The RPE in DHY was slightly higher than that in HY immediately postrun (p = 0.055). Controlling relative intensity in hypohydrated runners resulted in slower run times, greater perceived effort, and elevated T(GI), which is clinically meaningful for athletes using HR as a gauge for exercise effort and performance.     

Core threshold temperatures for sweating

To detect shifts in the threshold core temperature (Tc) for sweating caused by particular nonthermal stresses, it is necessary to stabilize or standardize all other environmental and physiological variables which cause such shifts. It is, however, difficult to cause progressive changes in Tc without also causing changes in skin temperature (Tsk). This study compares the technique of body warming by immersion in water at 40 degrees C, and subsequent body cooling in water at 28 degrees C, to determine the core threshold for sweating, with one by which Tc was raised by cycling exercise in air at 20 degrees C, and then lowered by immersion in water at 28 degrees C. The first of these procedures involved considerable shifts in Tsk upon immersion in water at 40 degrees C, and again upon transfer to water at 28 degrees C; the second procedure caused only small changes in Tsk. The onset of sweating at a lower esophageal temperature (Tes) during immersion in water at 40 degrees C (36.9 +/- 0.1 degrees C) than during exercise (37.4 +/- 0.3 degree C) is attributed to the high Tsk since Tes was then unchanged. Likewise, the rapid decline in the sweat rate during immersion at 28 degrees C had the same time course to extinction after the pretreatments. This related more to the Tsk, which was common, than to the levels or rates of change of Tes, which both differed between techniques. Tes fell most rapidly, and thus sweating was extinguished at a lower Tes, following 40 degrees C immersion than following exercise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)