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Neck-cooling improves repeated sprint performance in the heat
Caroline Sunderland1, Ryan Stevens1, Bethan Everson1
1Department of Sports Science, School of Science and Technology, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University Nottingham, UK.
Frontiers in Physiology
|November 24, 2015
Summary
Neck-cooling during exercise enhances repeated sprint performance in hot conditions by improving power output. This intervention reduces perceived exertion, potentially explaining the performance benefits without significantly altering physiological responses.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Environmental Physiology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Exercising in hot environments poses significant challenges to performance.
- Repeated sprint ability is crucial for team sports performance.
- Neck-cooling is a potential strategy to mitigate heat stress during exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of neck-cooling on repeated sprint ability in a hot environment.
- To investigate the physiological and perceptual responses to neck-cooling during intermittent exercise in the heat.
Main Methods:
- Seven male team-sport athletes participated in two trials involving intermittent exercise and repeated sprints in a hot environment (33°C).
- Participants wore a neck-cooling collar (CC) in one trial and a control condition in the other.
- Measurements included power output, fatigue, physiological markers (heart rate, lactate, glucose, cortisol), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).
Main Results:
- Neck-cooling significantly improved mean and peak power output during repeated sprints compared to the control trial.
- The performance enhancement was more pronounced after prolonged exercise bouts.
- Neck-cooling reduced neck temperature and thermal sensation, and lowered RPE during exercise, but did not affect most physiological variables.
- Interaction effects were observed for prolactin concentration and RPE.
Conclusions:
- Neck-cooling during exercise is an effective strategy to improve repeated sprint performance in hot conditions.
- The performance benefits may be partly attributed to reduced rating of perceived exertion.
- Neck-cooling appears to improve performance without substantially altering key physiological or neuroendocrine responses.
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