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Manual Dexterity in Open-Water Wetsuited Swimmers: A Cohort Crossover Study
William J Morton1,2,3, Jørgen Melau2,4, Roar A Olsen5,6,7
1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
|December 21, 2024
Summary
Cold water swimming significantly impairs manual dexterity, even with wetsuits. This decreased dexterity, linked to lower body temperatures and cognitive function, impacts open-water swimmers and event safety.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Human Physiology
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Laboratory studies indicate cold exposure reduces manual dexterity, potentially impacting performance.
- Wetsuits are common in open-water swimming, but their effect on dexterity in cold conditions is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cold-water swimming, while wearing wetsuits, on manual dexterity.
- To assess the relationship between water temperature, body temperature, cognitive function, and dexterity.
Main Methods:
- A cohort crossover study involving 9 trained swimmers across 7 open-water swims with varying temperatures (8.4°C to 24.5°C).
- Dexterity measured using a nut-washer-bolt assembly test; cognition assessed with a Stroop test.
- Continuous monitoring of core and peripheral body temperatures; body composition analyzed via DXA scans.
Main Results:
- Manual dexterity significantly decreased as water temperature dropped, with assembly time increasing by 47.5% from 24.5°C to 8.4°C.
- Reduced dexterity correlated with lower forearm and scapular temperatures and impaired cognitive function.
- Body composition did not influence dexterity, cognition, or temperature; swim speed was unaffected by water temperature.
Conclusions:
- Cold-water swimming, even with wetsuits, demonstrably reduces manual dexterity.
- Swimmers, triathletes, and event organizers must consider these findings regarding safety, performance, and equipment choices in cold aquatic environments.
