The effects of hand and forearm cooling on self-paced cycling performance in the heat.

This study investigated the effectiveness of hand and forearm per-cooling on self-paced cycling performance in the heat. We hypothesized that continuous, localized cooling would attenuate thermal strain and improve thermal sensation, thereby enhancing performance during a 20-km cycling time trial (TT). Ten trained cyclists (7 male, 3 female) completed three randomized trials in a hot environmental chamber (35°C, 50% RH), immersing their forearms and hands in a circulating water bath at 10°C, 20°C, or a 32∘C (control) throughout the TT. Performance, physiological, and perceptual measures were collected. Results showed no significant differences in time to completion, power output, pacing strategy (p=0.488), core temperature, or heart rate response across the conditions. However, whole-body thermal sensation and comfort were significantly reduced in the 10°C and 20°C trials compared to the 32°C trial from the 5-km mark onward. Despite these perceptual benefits, the lack of a measurable improvement in performance or physiological thermoregulation suggests that continuous, passive water immersion of the extremities is insufficient to overcome the heat stress experienced during a self-paced 20-km TT. Our findings highlight that a reduction in perceptual thermal strain does not necessarily translate to an ergogenic benefit, underscoring the need to consider the specific modality and timing of cooling interventions.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.Sc. Applied Health Sciences

Level thesis:degree_level

Master

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

Department dc:contributor.department

Applied Health Sciences Program

Grantor dc:publisher

Brock University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Joshua Nowlan

• ODONTOLOGY::Physiology

Statement dc:rights

• Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10464/19715

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:brocku.scholaris.ca:10464/19715