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.
Peiffer
Jeremiah J
JJ
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
Abbiss
Chris R
CR
Watson
Greig
G
Nosaka
Ken
K
Laursen
Paul B
PB
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