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Cooling Effectiveness of a Modified Cold-Water Immersion Method After Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia
Katherine E Luhring1, Cory L Butts1, Cody R Smith1
1University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Journal of Athletic Training
|November 23, 2016
Summary
Tarp-assisted cooling with oscillation (TACO) provides faster cooling than traditional methods for exertional heat stroke. This modified cold-water immersion (CWI) is an effective alternative when CWI is not feasible due to location or cost.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Thermoregulation Research
Background:
- Whole-body cold-water immersion (CWI) is the recommended treatment for exertional heat stroke.
- Limitations such as remote locations or financial constraints can hinder the application of CWI.
- A portable, modified CWI method is needed for effective exertional heat stroke management in challenging environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cooling efficacy of a modified CWI technique, tarp-assisted cooling with oscillation (TACO).
- To compare the cooling rate of TACO against a control (no immersion) condition following exertional hyperthermia.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, crossover controlled trial was conducted with 16 healthy volunteers.
- Participants exercised to achieve a rectal temperature (Tre) ≥39.0°C in a controlled environmental chamber.
- Cooling interventions included TACO (immersion in cold water using a tarp) and a control (no immersion) condition.
Main Results:
- The TACO treatment demonstrated a significantly faster cooling rate (0.14°C/min) compared to the control (0.04°C/min).
- Post-cooling Tre was significantly lower with TACO (38.10°C) versus control (38.74°C).
- Mean arterial pressure was significantly higher post-cooling with TACO compared to the control condition.
Conclusions:
- Tarp-assisted cooling with oscillation (TACO) is an effective method for reducing body temperature.
- TACO offers a faster cooling rate than traditional cold-water immersion (CWI) in a control setting.
- TACO presents a viable and effective alternative to CWI for emergency treatment of exertional hyperthermia, especially when CWI is impractical.
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