Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Standardized Protocol For Monitoring Muscle Fatigue and Biomechanics In Amateur Cyclists Using Infrared Thermography
Published on: March 20, 2026
Comparison of lower- vs. upper-body cooling during arm exercise in hot conditions
Michael J Price1, Mark I Mather
1School of Science and the Environment, University of Coventry, Coventry, UK. m.price@coventry.ac.uk
Introduction:
Studies examining cooling strategies and exercise have generally employed lower-body exercise despite the fact that arm exercise is an important mode for many industrial tasks and disabled populations. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two cooling strategies during arm exercise in the heat.
Methods:
There were eight male subjects (mean +/- SD age 24.5 +/- 4.0 yr, weight 81.0 +/- 7.8 kg, upper-body VO2peak 3.13 +/- 0.50 L x min(-1)) who volunteered for this study. Subjects undertook arm crank exercise for 30 min (50% VO2peak) in a hot environment (40.2 +/- 0.4 degrees C, 38.7 +/- 7.4% RH) on three occasions (no cooling control, CON; lower-body cooling, LC; upper-body cooling, UC).
Results:
No differences were observed between trials for oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange rate (RER), or blood lactate. Heart rate (HR) was greatest during CON (151 +/- 11 bpm) when compared with UC and LC (148 +/- 16 and 138 +/- 13 bpm; p < 0.05). Mean skin temperature was warmer during CON (36.3 +/- 0.5 degrees C) when compared with UC (31.2 +/- 1.4 degrees C, p < 0.05), which was warmer than during LC (28.5 +/- 1.3 degrees C, p < 0.05). No differences were observed for rectal or aural temperatures between trials. At the end of exercise, heat storage was hyperthermic (3.04 +/- 0.68 J x g(-1)), thermoneutral (0.18 +/- 1.21 J x g(-1)), and hypothermic (-2.37 +/- 0.81 J x g(-1)) during CON, UC, and LC, respectively (p < 0.05). Perceived exertion was lowest during LC and greatest during CON (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that cooling the lower body during arm exercise in hot conditions is more effective in reducing physiological and thermal strain than cooling the upper body.
Related Concept Videos
Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
Body Temperature
Body Temperature
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...
Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Factors Affecting Body Temperature
Factors may include:
Increased Body Temperature

