Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
08:22
Using an Ingestible Telemetric Temperature Pill to Assess Gastrointestinal Temperature During Exercise
Published on: October 7, 2015
Skin temperature as a thermal controller of exercise intensity
Zachary J Schlader1, Shona E Simmons, Stephen R Stannard
1Exercise and Sport Science, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand. Z.J.Schlader@massey.ac.nz
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|January 4, 2011
Summary
Skin temperature significantly influences exercise intensity. Manipulating skin temperature (T (Sk)) during cycling affected power output, with colder starting temperatures leading to greater work completed, highlighting its role in initial exercise intensity selection.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Environmental Physiology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Skin temperature (T (Sk)) is a key factor in thermoregulation during exercise.
- The influence of T (Sk) on self-selected exercise intensity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of manipulated skin temperature on self-selected exercise intensity in trained cyclists.
- To determine if initial skin temperature influences the power output during self-paced exercise.
Main Methods:
- Eight trained male cyclists performed two 60-minute self-paced cycling trials.
- A liquid-perfused suit was used to alter skin temperature, either starting hot then cooling (H to C) or starting cold then heating (C to H).
- Work completed, power output, core temperature (T (C)), heart rate (HR), and thermal perceptions were measured.
Main Results:
- Total work completed was higher in the cold to hot (C to H) trial compared to the hot to cold (H to C) trial.
- Initial power output was greater in the C to H trial.
- Heart rate was lower in the H to C trial after 35 minutes.
- Thermal comfort and sensation generally followed the changes in T (Sk).
Conclusions:
- Initial skin temperature and associated thermal perceptions are critical determinants of self-selected exercise intensity.
- Manipulating skin temperature can alter exercise performance and intensity selection in trained athletes.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Body Temperature
The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...
01:07Body Temperature
Body temperature reflects the equilibrium between heat production and heat loss within the body. Most heat is generated by metabolically active tissues, particularly the liver, heart, brain, kidneys, and endocrine organs. At rest, skeletal muscles contribute 20–30% of total heat production, but during vigorous exercise, this can increase up to 30–40 times.
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...
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...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Procedural Guide for Assessing Axillary Body Temperature using a Digital Thermometer:
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...
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...
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Body temperature can be assessed using various devices and measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
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...
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...
01:26Thermoregulation
The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...