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Effect of precooling on high intensity cycling performance
1School of Physical Education, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|December 22, 1999
Summary
Precooling significantly enhances short-term cycling power output by 3.3% in warm conditions. This performance improvement may stem from increased blood flow to working muscles due to skin vasoconstriction.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Environmental Physiology
Background:
- Athletes often compete in warm environments, which can impair performance.
- Precooling strategies aim to mitigate heat stress and improve exercise capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of precooling on a 70-second cycling power test in a warm, humid environment.
- To assess changes in core and skin temperature following precooling.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen elite male cyclists underwent a 70-second cycling power test after 30 minutes of cold water immersion precooling or control conditions.
- Core and skin temperatures, heart rate, and perceived exertion were monitored throughout the protocol.
Main Results:
- Precooling resulted in a significant 3.3% increase in mean power output during the 70-second test.
- Precooling effectively lowered core, mean body, and skin temperatures, though lower body skin temperature normalized by the test start.
- Heart rate was lower during warm-up post-precooling, with varied effects on perceived exertion.
Conclusions:
- Cold water immersion precooling enhances short-term cycling performance in warm conditions.
- The ergogenic effect may be linked to skin vasoconstriction, potentially increasing muscle blood flow.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the physiological mechanisms behind precooling's benefits in high-intensity exercise.