Project Details
Description
Athletic competition in the heat increases physiological strain and reduces performance during self-paced, endurance exercise. The application of precooling may counteract the negative consequences associated with exercise in hot, humid conditions.
However at the time of this project, there was little evidence establishing whether precooling during an active warm-up alters performance and neuromuscular function during a performance trial. Further, there was limited research examining the application of either an ice vest or cooling packs during a race-specific warm-up, and it remained unclear whether there was a superlative, practical technique.
With coaches and athletes needing better guidance on the usefulness of different cooling strategies before endurance running events, more evidence was required to evaluate simple, cost-effective cooling methods.
The aim of this research project was to examine the effect of isolated torso and thigh precooling throughout a warm-up on neuromuscular function and five kilometre time-trial performance in hot, humid conditions.
We hypothesised that torso and thigh precooling would aid running performance during a five kilometre time-trial within a hot environment and minimise neuromuscular fatigue.
Eight well-trained, male club long-distance runners undertook three randomised time-trials in hot, humid conditions. A 30-min warm-up was completed with no cooling (Control), precooling via an ice vest (Vest), or ice packs covering the thighs (Packs).
However at the time of this project, there was little evidence establishing whether precooling during an active warm-up alters performance and neuromuscular function during a performance trial. Further, there was limited research examining the application of either an ice vest or cooling packs during a race-specific warm-up, and it remained unclear whether there was a superlative, practical technique.
With coaches and athletes needing better guidance on the usefulness of different cooling strategies before endurance running events, more evidence was required to evaluate simple, cost-effective cooling methods.
The aim of this research project was to examine the effect of isolated torso and thigh precooling throughout a warm-up on neuromuscular function and five kilometre time-trial performance in hot, humid conditions.
We hypothesised that torso and thigh precooling would aid running performance during a five kilometre time-trial within a hot environment and minimise neuromuscular fatigue.
Eight well-trained, male club long-distance runners undertook three randomised time-trials in hot, humid conditions. A 30-min warm-up was completed with no cooling (Control), precooling via an ice vest (Vest), or ice packs covering the thighs (Packs).
Key findings
Torso and thigh precooling during a warm-up reduces thermoregulatory strain. However, precooling with Packs was the most effective technique to reduce thermoregulatory strain therefore enabling an improved selection of exercise intensities and improved performance during the last kilometre of the five kilometre time-trial.
Although precooling method neither improves nor inhibits neuromuscular function, it is expected that thigh precooling prevents the down-regulation of exercise intensity evident in hot, humid conditions.
As well as academic outputs, the research also fed into the press through articles in Men's Health and Runners' World magazines.
Although precooling method neither improves nor inhibits neuromuscular function, it is expected that thigh precooling prevents the down-regulation of exercise intensity evident in hot, humid conditions.
As well as academic outputs, the research also fed into the press through articles in Men's Health and Runners' World magazines.
| Status | Finished |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 1/01/14 → 31/12/15 |
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