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Aerobic exercise performance is reduced following prolonged cold-water immersion
Hayden W Hess1,2, Zachary J Schlader2, Blair D Johnson2
1University at Buffalo, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Center for Research and Education in Special Environments, Buffalo, NY 14214.
Summary
Four hours of cold-water immersion significantly impairs aerobic exercise performance. Breathing 100% oxygen does not further reduce performance compared to breathing air after immersion.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Prolonged cold-water immersion is a significant environmental stressor.
- Understanding its impact on aerobic exercise is crucial for performance optimization and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of four-hour cold-water immersion on self-paced aerobic exercise performance.
- To determine if breathing 100% oxygen exacerbates performance decrements compared to breathing air.
Main Methods:
- Nine healthy adults underwent three trials: control, cold-water immersion (20.1°C) breathing air (FiO2=0.21), and cold-water immersion breathing 100% oxygen (FiO2=1.0).
- Following immersion (or control), participants completed a 60-minute ruck march (20% body mass) followed by a 5-km self-paced treadmill time trial.
- Core temperature, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion were monitored during the time trial.
Main Results:
- Self-paced 5-km time trial performance was significantly reduced after cold-water immersion in both air (32±5 min) and 100% oxygen (32±6 min) trials compared to the control (28±4 min).
- No significant difference in performance was observed between the 100% oxygen and air trials.
- Physiological responses (core temperature, heart rate, RPE) increased during the time trial but did not differ between experimental conditions.
Conclusions:
- Four hours of cold-water immersion attenuates self-paced aerobic exercise performance.
- Breathing 100% oxygen does not further impair performance following prolonged cold-water immersion compared to breathing air.
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