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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions
Published on: March 9, 2021
Local cold acclimation during exercise and its effect on neuromuscular function of the hand
Carla L M Geurts1, Gordon G Sleivert, Stephen S Cheung
1Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
Summary
Repeated hand cooling during exercise did not improve local cold acclimation or manual function compared to resting individuals. Core temperature elevation during cold exposure did not enhance adaptation or hand performance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Physiology
- Human Performance
- Neuromuscular Function
Background:
- Cold exposure research typically involves resting individuals.
- Real-world cold exposure often occurs during physical activity.
- The impact of elevated core temperature on cold acclimation is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of repeated hand cold exposure with and without exercise-induced elevated core temperature.
- To assess the impact on neuromuscular function of the first dorsal interosseus (FDI) muscle.
- To evaluate changes in hand manual performance.
Main Methods:
- Two groups underwent daily 30-minute hand cooling in 8°C water for two weeks.
- Experimental group cycled to elevate core temperature (50% heart rate reserve); control group rested.
- Manual function tests included tactile sensitivity, grip strength, dexterity, and evoked twitch force.
Main Results:
- Core rectal temperature increased significantly during cycling.
- Minimal skin temperatures of the finger and hand increased over the exposure period.
- Manual function was impaired by cooling, with no significant differences between groups or over time.
- Twitch characteristics deteriorated with cooling but did not change with repeated exposure.
Conclusions:
- Elevated core temperature during cold water immersion affects acute thermal responses but not local cold acclimation.
- Repeated cold exposure, with or without exercise, did not improve manual function or neuromuscular adaptation.
- Findings suggest that physical activity during cold exposure does not enhance local hand cold acclimation or performance recovery.
