Nihilvolentibusarduum Effects of different local cooling applications on the endurance capacity during cycling Hohenauer E. 1, Clijsen R. 1, Cabri J. 2, Clarys P. 3 1 University College Physiotherapy „Thim van der Laan“, Landquart, CH 2 Center for Research in Physiotherapy, Technical University Lisbon, POR 3 Department of Human Biometry and Biomechanics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, B
Nihilvolentibusarduum Introduction Physical activity Core body temperature ↑ Muscle temperature ↑ Heat strain ( Hyperthermia ) Exercise performance ↓ Heat related illnesses ↑ Duffield et al., 2003 ( Br J Sports Med )
Nihilvolentibusarduum Introduction Disturbed thermoregulation Evaporation - releases heat during exercise ( Pre- ) Cooling - skin temperature ↓ - counteract the negative effects of heat strain ? Nybo et al., 2007 ( J Appl Physiol )
Nihilvolentibusarduum Introduction Menthol – alcohol solution High evaporation rate High cooling rate - surrounding area - rest of the body Avoid „build-up“ of heat - improve physical performance !? Evidence based ?!
Nihilvolentibusarduum Introduction Clijsen et al., 2008 ( ECSS, Estoril ) - 2 Energicer bands - Swiss Olympic Guidelines, Comfortable environmental conditions ( 23°C, 40% ) Results - Local cooling of the upper arms by two Energicer® bands does not enhance the endurance capacity during cycling Discussion - Environmental conditions too marginal? - Skin surface too small?
Nihilvolentibusarduum Objective Do different local cooling applications enhance the endurance capacity during cycling under hot and humid environmental conditions?
Nihilvolentibusarduum Material & Methods Sample: 7 healthy male subjects Mean age = 39.1 ± 9.6 yrs BMI = 28.2 kg.m -2
Nihilvolentibusarduum Material & Methods Sana bike 150F ( Ergosana, Bitz, GER ) Incremental bike ergometer test 3 min. stages ( +30W )
Nihilvolentibusarduum Material & Methods Randomised cross - over design - 4 conditions: No cooling With cooling vest With cooling bands With cooling vest & bands Environmental conditions - Temperature: 35°C ( ± 3°C ) - Humidity: 44% ( ± 5% )
Nihilvolentibusarduum Material & Methods Vest - saturated with 225ml Bands ( 7.5 x 5 x 0.5 cm ) - saturated with 25ml
Nihilvolentibusarduum Measurments Dependent variables : - Time to exhaustion - Heart rate ( Polar T31, Polar Inc., Kempele, FIN ) - Blood lactate ( Biosen S- line, EKF Diagnostic, Barleben, GER ) - Core temperature ( ThermoScan 6013, Braun, Kronberg, GER ) - Rated perceived exertion ( BORG scale: 6-20 )
Nihilvolentibusarduum Results Values are Means ± 1 SD
Nihilvolentibusarduum Results Values are Means ± 1 SD
Nihilvolentibusarduum Results Values are Means ± 1 SD
Nihilvolentibusarduum Discussion Core temperature vs. Skin temperature Precooling time too short Airflow Different test protocol More comfortable feeling with cooling vest - Psychological advantage?
Nihilvolentibusarduum Conclusion Under hot and humid environmental conditions local cooling of the upper arms and/or upper body by Energicer® bands and/or vests doesn’t enhance the endurance capacity during cycling FUTURE RESEARCH - Airflow - Skin temperature - Sensitive test protocol
Nihilvolentibusarduum Thank you for your attention