Effect of cold-water immersion duration on body temperature and muscle function.
This study compared the effect of 5, 10 and 20 min of cold-water (14 degrees C) immersion on rectal and muscle temperature and neuromuscular function. Twelve cyclists performed four cycling time-to-exhaustion trials in hot conditions (40 degrees C and 40%rh), followed 25 min later by cold-water immersion for 5, 10 or 20 min or 20 min in room temperature (24 degrees C; control). Rectal temperature was measured continuously, and muscle temperature was measured before, immediately after and 45 min after the time-to-exhaustion-test, as well as before and after water immersion. Sixty-second maximal voluntary isometric torque and isokinetic torque of the knee extensors were measured before, immediately after and 55 min after time-to-exhaustion-test. A greater rate of decrease in rectal temperature was observed in all water immersion conditions 45-80 min after time-to-exhaustion-test compared with control. Compared with control, muscle temperature 45 min after time-to-exhaustion-test was lower for all water immersion conditions; however, muscle temperature was lower for the 10- and 20-min conditions compared with 5 min. Isometric torque measured 55 min after time-to-exhaustion-test was lower for all conditions. Isokinetic torque was lower for all conditions immediately and 55-min post-time-to-exhaustion-test. Of the durations measured, 5 min of cold-water immersion appeared as the most appropriate duration for reducing rectal temperature but limiting decreases in muscle temperature.
Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care, Vario Health Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia. j.peiffer@ecu.edu.au
Jeremiah J
JJ
Peiffer
Chris R
CR
Abbiss
Greig
G
Watson
Ken
K
Nosaka
Paul B
PB
Laursen
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water
D014867:Water