Perceptual and physiological responses during exercise in cool and cold water

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Environmental Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Cold water immersion during exercise presents unique physiological challenges.
• Understanding the interplay between thermal stress, exertion, and physiological responses is crucial for optimizing athletic performance and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how cold water stress affects perceived exertion and thermal sensation during varying exercise intensities and types.
• To determine the physiological and thermal correlates of perceived exertion and thermal sensation in cold water environments.

Main Methods:

• Eight male volunteers performed arm, leg, and combined arm/leg exercises for 45 minutes in 20°C and 26°C water.
• Exercise intensity was manipulated to be low or high relative to peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak).
• Physiological (heart rate, ventilation, VO2 peak) and thermal (skin/rectal temperature) measures were recorded, alongside ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and thermal sensation (TS).

Main Results:

• Perceived exertion (RPE) was not significantly different between water temperatures when exercise intensity was matched.
• During high-intensity exercise, RPE was lower in 20°C water compared to 26°C water.
• RPE correlated moderately with heart rate and ventilation, but weakly with thermal measures; TS correlated moderately with skin and rectal temperatures but weakly with cardiopulmonary variables.

Conclusions:

• Increased oxygen uptake from cold water exercise does not contribute to overall perceived exertion.
• Perceived exertion during cold water exercise is primarily driven by cardiopulmonary responses, not thermal sensation.
• Thermal sensation is mainly influenced by body temperature, independent of cardiopulmonary exertion levels.