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CONDUCTIVE COOLING OF THE FOREHEAD DURING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INCREASES COMFORT AND DAMPENS THE MAGNITUDE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES
JEPonline 2009; 12(2):9-20
Martin A. Carrasco, III and Joseph M. Gonzales
Martaca Enterprises, Division of Human Performance Enhancement, South Bend, IN USA
ABSTRACT
The present study investigated whether conductive cooling of the forehead during
exercise could affect core temperature. We also assessed any changes
in skin temperature, heart rate, sweat loss, and perceived ratings of
fatigue and thermal comfort. Twelve healthy males (age, 23±3 years;
HRmax, 197±5 beats per minute) exercised for 20 minutes on a treadmill
at 60% of their maximum heart rate at 20°C (42% relative humidity) with
cooling (COOL) and without (CON) as a control. Five healthy males
(age, 25±4 years; HRmax, 195±5 beats per minute) exercised at 75% of
their maximum heart rate with and without cooling at the same ambient
temperature and relative humidity. Results from the two studies were
compared to see if the cooling effects varied at different exercise
intensities. Core temperature was 0.4°C (P<0.05) lower in the COOL
treatment than the CON at 75% HRmax and slightly significantly lower at
60% HRmax (by 0.15°C; P=0.08). Conductive forehead cooling resulted
in a significant reduction of heart rate at both 60% and 75% HRmax (13
bpm and 22 bpm less, respectively: (P<0.05). Skin temperature in the
COOL treatment was significantly lower than the CON at both
intensities; by 1.7°C at 60% HRmax and 2.7°C at 75% HRmax (P<0.01).
We show here that conductive cooling of the forehead attenuated a rise
in core and skin temperature during exercise in a thermal neutral
environment. Subjects were more thermally comfortable and less
fatigued when conductive cooling was applied.
Keywords: Exercise, Enhancement, Performance, Face-cooling
