Effect of warm-up and precooling on pacing during a 15-km cycling time trial in the heat

K. Levels, L.P.J. Teunissen, A. de Haan, J.J. de Koning, B. van Os, H.A.M. Daanen

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    Abstract

    PURPOSE:
    The best way to apply precooling for endurance exercise in the heat is still unclear. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of different preparation regimes on pacing during a 15-km cycling time trial in the heat.

    METHODS:
    Ten male subjects completed four 15-km time trials (30°C), preceded by different preparation regimes: 10 min cycling (WARM-UP), 30 min scalp cooling of which 10 min cycling (SC+WARM-UP), ice slurry ingestion (ICE), and ice slurry ingestion + 30 min scalp cooling (SC+ICE).

    RESULTS:
    No differences were observed in finish time and mean power output, although power output was lower for WARM-UP than for SC+ICE during km 13-14 (17±16 and 19±14 W, respectively) and for ICE during km 13 (16±16 W). Rectal temperature at the start of the time trial was lower for both ICE (~36.7°C) than both WARM-UP (~37.1°C) conditions and remained lower during the first part of the trial. Skin temperature and thermal sensation were lower at the start for SC+ICE.

    CONCLUSIONS:
    The preparation regime providing the lowest body heat content and sensation of coolness at the start (SC+ICE) was most beneficial for pacing during the latter stages of the time trial, although overall performance did not differ.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)307-311
    JournalInternational Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
    Volume8
    Early online date2 Oct 2012
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013

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