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Abstract

Abstract:Problem Statement: The aim of our study was to analyse the influence of body cooling through fan airflow, in acute physiological responses of elite cyclists during a maximal progressive exercise with four stages. Approach: Nine male cyclists, from the sub-23 and elite category (average age, 26.11 ± 5.11 years-old; average weight, 68.69 ± 7.28 kg; average height, 172.87 ± 3.53 cm) performed, in random order, two discontinued maximum cycling tests with progressive increments: one with fan airflow ~10km/h-1 (~3m.s-1), and the other without it, with an initial load of 150 Watts (W), and an increase of 50 Wevery 6-minute long stage, until exhaustion. In both test conditions, the heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), blood lactate concentration [La], tympanic temperature (TT), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), were measured. Results: When the test conditions were compared, no significant differences were found between the stages for HR and RPE. Significant differences were noted for La, only at the 4th stage of the test (p=0.008). The VO2max was significantly different between the protocols (p=0.004), with significant variations at stage 2 (p=0.033), and 3 (p=0.028). TT was significantly lower (p<0.05) during all the four stages of the protocol. With the exception of HR, all the registered maximum values were significantly different (p>0.05) between the two test conditions and were achieved in the stage in which each subject reached VO2max. Conclusions: The speed of airflow at ~10 km.h-1 does seem to induce significant variations in the acute physiological responses of elite cyclists, as seen during a discontinued maximal progressive cycling test.