title: Cold exposure increases exercise-induced oxidative stress.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We determined the combined effects of cold and exercise on oxidative stress during submaximal exercise.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen amateur male cyclists pedaled at a constant speed corresponding to 85% of maximal HR as determined in normal conditions. Eight athletes pedaled indoors at 23 °C while 8 athletes pedaled outdoors at a temperature of 4-6 °C. We then evaluated the levels of reactive oxygen metabolites and plasma levels of antioxidants after exercise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Performing a physical task in cold conditions increased the free radical production, as demonstrated by the augmented levels of reactive oxygen metabolites and the concomitant decrease of plasma levels of antioxidants in outdoors cyclists as compared to indoors cyclists. The overall ANOVA and the post-hoc comparisons revealed a significant exercise and temperature effect. The mean level of reactive oxygen metabolites in athletes who exercised indoors was significantly lower than that of the outdoor athletes. Moreover, the outdoors group presented plasma levels of antioxidants significantly lower than those of the indoors group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Since several sports are performed outdoors during the winter season, the increased risk of oxidative stress in cold conditions must be considered in these disciplines. Cyclists, football and rugby players, and runners are all affected by the elevation in oxygen radicals induced by cold and should take appropriate precautions, such as specific antioxidant integration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine and Public Health, University of Camerino, Camerino, Macerata, Italy. daniele.martarelli@unicam.it
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Martarelli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cocchioni
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scuri
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Spataro
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pompei
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species