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Head Cooling Prior to Exercise in the Heat Does Not Improve Cognitive Performance
Nur Shakila Mazalan1,2, Grant Justin Landers1, Karen Elizabeth Wallman1
1School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sports Science), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine
|March 12, 2021
Summary
Head cooling did not improve cognitive performance in athletes running in the heat. While it lowered forehead temperature, key metrics like working memory and core temperature remained unaffected compared to no cooling.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Exercise Physiology
- Cognitive Performance
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Heat stress during endurance exercise can impair cognitive function.
- Head cooling is a potential strategy to mitigate heat-induced cognitive decline.
- Limited research exists on the efficacy of head cooling during prolonged running in hot conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of head cooling on cognitive performance during and after running in the heat.
- To assess the impact of head cooling on physiological responses during exercise in hot environments.
Main Methods:
- Ten moderately-trained male endurance athletes participated in a within-subjects design.
- Participants underwent two trials: head cooling (HC) at 0°C and a control (CON) at 22°C.
- Exercise involved two 30-minute running bouts at 70% VO2peak in 35°C/70% RH conditions, with cognitive tests (OSPAN) administered before and during exercise.
Main Results:
- Head cooling significantly reduced forehead temperature post-precooling (32.4°C vs. 34.5°C).
- No significant differences were observed in cognitive performance (OSPAN scores) between HC and CON trials.
- Core temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, and perceived exertion were similar between conditions.
Conclusions:
- Pre-exercise head cooling does not enhance cognitive performance during or after prolonged running in the heat.
- The observed reduction in forehead temperature did not translate to improved cognitive outcomes or physiological regulation.
- Head cooling may not be an effective ergogenic aid for maintaining cognitive function under these specific exercise-heat conditions.
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