This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess studies which have investigated cooling methodologies, their timing and effects, on endurance exercise performance in trained athletes (Category 3; VO2max ≥ 55 mL·kg·min−1) in hot environmental conditions (≥28 °C). Meta-analyses were performed to quantify the effects of timings and methods of application, with a narrative review of the evidence also provided. A computer-assisted database search was performed for articles investigating the effects of cooling on endurance performance and accompanying physiological and perceptual responses. A total of 4129 results were screened by title, abstract, and full text, resulting in 10 articles being included for subsequent analyses. A total of 101 participants and 310 observations from 10 studies measuring the effects of differing cooling strategies on endurance exercise performance and accompanying physiological and perceptual responses were included. With respect to time trial performance, cooling was shown to result in small beneficial effects when applied before and throughout the exercise bout (Effect Size: −0.44; −0.69 to −0.18), especially when ingested (−0.39; −0.60 to −0.18). Current evidence suggests that whilst other strategies ameliorate physiological or perceptual responses throughout endurance exercise in hot conditions, ingesting cooling aids before and during exercise provides a small benefit, which is of practical significance to athletes’ time trial performance.

Rowers regularly undertake rowing training within 24 h of performing bouts of strength training; however, the effect of this practice has not been investigated. This study evaluated the impact of a bout of high-intensity strength training on 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance and rowing-specific maximal power. Eight highly trained male club rowers performed baseline measures of five separate, static squat jumps (SSJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ), maximal rowing ergometer power strokes (PS) and a single 2,000 m rowing ergometer test (2,000 m). Subsequently, participants performed a high-intensity strength training session consisting of various multi-joint barbell exercises. The 2,000 m test was repeated at 24 and 48 h post-ST, in addition SSJ, CMJ and PS tests were performed at these time points and also at 2 h post-ST. Muscle soreness, serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed pre-ST and 2, 24 and 48 h post-ST. Following the ST, there were significant elevations in muscle soreness (2 and 24 h, P < 0.01), CK (2, 24 and 48 h, P < 0.01), and LDH (2 h, P < 0.05) in comparison to baseline values. There were significant decrements across all time points for SSJ, CMJ and PS, which ranged between 3 and 10% (P < 0.05). However, 2,000 m performance and related measurements of heart rate and blood lactate were not significantly affected by ST. In summary, a bout of high-intensity strength training resulted in symptoms of muscle damage and decrements in rowing-specific maximal power, but this did not affect 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance in highly trained rowers.

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Objective: To determine whether six weeks' of acupuncture has a positive effect on plantar flexion muscle strength and whether electroacupuncture (EA) has a greater effect than manual acupuncture (MA) on plantar flexion, so that the most beneficial method of acupuncture can be established for strengthening muscles. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with parallel groups. A total of 20 participants were randomly assigned to three groups: control/non-acupuncture group (n＝6), manual acupuncture group (MAG) (n＝8) and electroacupuncture group (EAG) (n＝6). MAG and EAG received three 25 minute treatment sessions per week for 6 weeks. The control group continued with their normal training activity and received no treatment. The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the ankle plantar-flexors at 30° per second was measured using Biodex system 3. Results: Both MA and EA had a positive effect in increasing plantar flexion strength. The likelihood for this happening was high; 69% for MA and 92% for EA when compared with the control group. However the effect size was small for both groups. There was only a trivial difference in the effect size between the EAG and the MAG in regards to average plantar flexion torque. Conclusion: EA and MA have a beneficial effect on plantar flexion muscle strength compared with the control group in healthy population.