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Effect of local cooling on short-term, intense exercise
Young S Kwon1, Robert A Robergs, Suzanne M Schneider
1Department of Kinesiology, Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, USA. youngsubkwon@hotmail.com
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|October 23, 2012
Summary
Local cooling before strenuous exercise is debated. While prolonged pre-cooling may hinder performance, intermittent cooling during intense exercise might offer benefits like pain reduction and altered central fatigue.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Therapeutic Modalities
Background:
- The impact of local cooling on short-term, strenuous exercise performance is not fully understood.
- Existing research often involves prolonged pre-cooling, which may negatively affect performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of pre-cooling and intermittent cooling on short-term, high-intensity exercise performance.
- To clarify the controversial belief that local cooling impairs exercise capacity.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of eighteen original investigations.
- Analysis of studies involving cooling before and during short-term, intensive exercise.
Main Results:
- Prolonged pre-cooling (over 10 minutes) generally reduces strength, performance, and endurance for high-intensity exercise.
- Acute local cooling immediately before exercise has limited research for activities like weight lifting.
- Intermittent cooling during exercise may offer benefits by reducing pain and potentially altering central fatigue.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged pre-cooling is not recommended for preparing for short-duration, high-intensity exercise.
- Intermittent local cooling during intense exercise warrants further investigation for potential performance enhancement and fatigue management.
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