Effect of hand cooling on body temperature, cardiovascular and perceptual responses during recumbent cycling in a hot environment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to quantify physiological and perceptual responses to hand immersion in water during recumbent cycling in a hot environment. Seven physically active males (body mass 79.8 ± 6.3 kg; stature 182 ± 5 cm; age 23 ± 3 years) immersed their hands in 8, 14 and 34°C water whilst cycling at an intensity (W) equivalent to 50% [Formula: see text]O for 60 min in an environmental chamber (35°C, 50% relative humidity). 8 and 14°C water attenuated an increase in body temperature, and lowered cardiorespiratory and skin blood flow demands. These effects were considered to be practically beneficial (standardised effect size > 0.20). There was a tendency for 8 and 14°C to extend exercise duration versus 34°C (>7%). Heart rate, intestinal, mean skin and mean body temperature were less in 8°C compared to 14°C; these differences were considered practically beneficial. Augmented heat loss at the palm-water surface might enable cooler blood to return to the body and limit physiological strain. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for continuous hand cooling and indicate that endurance exercise in hot environments could be improved using this method. Future research should investigate its effectiveness during cycling and running performance.

Alleviating Heat Strain During Exercise: Hand Cooling and Thermoregulation

“…The magnitude of effect on intestinal temperature and percentage peak heart rate reported in the current investigation (ranging from d = -0.33 to -0.81) is similar to the moderate effects reported by Ruddock et al [280] when hands were cooled in 8 °C and 14 °C water during recumbent cycling in an environmental temperature of 35 °C 50%…”

“…relative humidity (d = -0.28 to -0.84). However, we observed a larger difference in RPE between cooling and control trials (0.9 units) in the present investigation compared to Ruddock et al [280] (0.4 units). This might attributed to the different mode of exercise (recumbent vs. upright cycling) rather than cardiorespiratory or thermal demands as percentage peak heart rate was similar between studies and participants felt cooler with hand immersion in cold water and with cooling gloves.…”

“…We have demonstrated that hand immersion in cold water during exercise extends exercise capacity by 7 to 8% and attenuates a rise in deep body temperature [280] while improving thermal perception. However, despite the efficacy of this strategy continuous hand immersion is impractical for competition or training.…”

“…and these were worn until the end of exercise. This temperature was chosen because of the effectiveness of previous hand cooling research [280] that used 8°C and 14°C water.…”

Per-Cooling (Using Cooling Systems during Physical Exercise) Enhances Physical and Cognitive Performances in Hot Environments. A Narrative Review

“…Per-cooling studies differ with respect to the cooling technique that is used, such as the use of a cooling garment [108,109], cold water immersion [110,111], ice slurry ingestion [112,113], cold fluid ingestion [114,115], cold packs [116][117][118][119][120], a cooling vest (10-20 • C) [121,122], an ice vest [123,124], a ventilated vest [125,126], a water spray [105], and air ventilation (fanning) [127,128]. Taken together, the majority of per-cooling techniques are effective in improving exercise performance in hot and temperate conditions, and it is advisable to use sufficient cooling power during exercise to reach an optimal effect.…”