Fan Cooling Improves Submaximal Exercise Capacity in an Indoor Thermoneutral Environment
Arden Fernandez1, Gregory S Wimer1, Meral N Culver1
1Georgia Southern University - Armstrong Campus.
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
|January 13, 2022
Summary
Fan cooling during moderate-vigorous indoor cycling increases work capacity and energy expenditure without increasing perceived exertion. This method enhances the effectiveness of heart rate-based training sessions.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Environmental Ergonomics
Background:
- Indoor cycling is a popular exercise modality.
- Optimizing training intensity and energy expenditure is crucial for fitness.
- Environmental factors like heat can influence physiological responses during exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare physiological and perceptual responses to moderate-vigorous intensity, heart rate-based cycle ergometry with and without fan cooling.
- To determine if fan cooling affects work capacity, energy expenditure, and perceived exertion during indoor cycling.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen recreationally active adults completed two 40-minute cycle ergometry sessions at 70% heart rate reserve, with and without a fan.
- Workload, oxygen cost, respiratory exchange ratio, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation, blood lactate, and body mass were monitored.
- Workload was continuously adjusted to maintain target heart rate.
Main Results:
- Fan cooling significantly increased mean workload (+15%) and oxygen consumption (+9%), leading to greater energy expenditure (344 vs. 302 kcals).
- Thermal sensation was significantly lower with fan cooling, while RPE was not significantly different.
- Body mass loss was attenuated with fan cooling, and blood lactate levels were higher in the fan condition.
Conclusions:
- Fan cooling enhances work capacity and energy expenditure during submaximal, moderate-vigorous intensity cycle ergometry.
- It improves thermal comfort without increasing perceived exertion.
- Fan cooling is a valuable tool for increasing the effectiveness of indoor, heart rate-based cycle training.
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