The Effects of Pre-Cooling on Exercise Performance and Perceived Exertion under Moderate Environmental Conditions
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Kevin Cole
Document Type
Poster
Event Date
4-12-2013
Abstract
Cooling the body prior to exercise under thermally stressful conditions has been shown to improve exercise performance and core thermoregulation in a number of athletic situations. Studies have investigated the effectiveness of internal and external pre-cooling methods other than a standard ice bath immersion, suggesting that similar results can be produced through use of various cooling protocols. Despite extensive research on exhaustive exercise performance in hot/humid conditions, few studies have assessed moderate environmental conditions or the effects of pre-cooling on perceived exertion. This study examined two novel and easily transportable methods of pre-cooling used under moderate environmental conditions: iced towels (external cooling) and ice slurries (internal cooling). The main experimental variables in this study were perceived exertion and distance traveled in a self-paced run as well as core temperature changes over the course of the prescribed exercise. Twelve moderately active, college-aged participants performed a ten-minute warm-up run on a treadmill after which core temperature was measured as a baseline prior to cooling. One of three pre-cooling methods was then administered over a 20-minute period: drinking room temperature water [Control], drinking an ice slurry [Internal], and drinking an ice-slurry in combination with placement of iced towels on the head, neck, and feet [Internal/External]. Over the course of the study, participants underwent each of the three cooling methods, allowing for within-subjects analysis. Core temperature was again measured following the cooling procedure and following a 15-minute run, self-paced at RPE of 15. Heart rate, speed, and current RPE were recorded throughout the 15-minute run, and total run distance was recorded at conclusion of the run.This information will be disseminated upon the completion of data collection.
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