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Mild overcooling increases energy expenditure during endurance exercise
1Department of Nutrition, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Moderate cooling during endurance exercise significantly increases energy expenditure (EE). Even slight increases in cooling, like lowering water temperature, boost EE and heat loss, a key factor for winter athletes.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Environmental Physiology
Background:
- Intensive cooling elevates energy expenditure (EE) and reduces physical performance.
- Moderate cooling effects on EE during light endurance exercise require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of moderate cooling levels (10°C vs. 15°C) on energy expenditure during light endurance exercise.
- To investigate the relationship between heat loss and increased EE.
Main Methods:
- Twelve subjects performed 90-minute low-intensity (100 W) cycling exercise.
- A water-cooled calorimeter suit was used for controlled cooling.
- Measurements included energy expenditure, total heat loss, skin temperature, core body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory quotient (RQ).
Main Results:
- A 4.3% higher EE was observed at 10°C compared to 15°C.
- Lower temperatures led to increased total heat loss and decreased skin temperatures.
- No significant differences were found in core body temperature, heart rate, or RQ.
- A direct correlation was identified between the rate of heat loss and the increase in EE.
Conclusions:
- Even moderate increases in cooling during endurance exercise can significantly elevate energy expenditure.
- The findings highlight the importance of heat loss in modulating EE during exercise.
- This effect may be a critical consideration for athletes in winter sports environments.