Effects of a phase change cooling garment during exercise in the heat. Issue 8 (14th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Butts, Cory L.; Torretta, Madeline L.; Smith, Cody R.; Petway, Adam J.; McDermott, Brendon P.
• Is Part Of: European journal of sport science. Volume 17:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: 1065
• Page End: 1073
• Publication Date: 2017-09-14
• Subjects: Environmental physiology -- performance -- exercise; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2017.1347205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-1391

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of our study was to examine the physiological, perceptual, and performance effects of wearing a phase change cooling garment (CG) during an interval exercise routine in the heat. Sixteen male participants (age 23 ± 3 years, ht 1.76 ± 0.11 m; wt 78.5 ± 11.2 kg; body fat 15.2 ± 5.8%) completed two trials (one with phase change inserts, CG, and one control without inserts) consisting of two submaximal exercise portions separated by 5-minute seated rest, and a final maximal effort performance bout. Each submaximal bout involved 30 seconds or 1 minute of muscular endurance and agility exercises and 5 minutes of treadmill jogging and step-ups. The performance bout included 30 seconds or 1 minute of muscular endurance and agility exercises, with participants completing as many repetitions as possible, followed by a 15-minute recovery (active and passive). Rectal temperature ( T re ) and heart rate were not different between trials, however change in T re from baseline was improved during 10 and 15 minutes of recovery with the CG ( P < .05). Mean skin temperature was lower using the CG vs control throughout the trial ( P < .05). Thermal sensation was lower when using the CG compared to control ( P < .001). There were no differences in any outcomes of the performance exercises ( P > .05). These findings indicate that the continuous use of a CG during an interval style workout in the heat provides improvements in thermal sensation, however, only minimal thermophysiological benefits, and no performance augmentation.