Effects of active warm up on thermoregulation and intermittent-sprint performance in hot conditions

Per-Cooling (Using Cooling Systems during Physical Exercise) Enhances Physical and Cognitive Performances in Hot Environments. A Narrative Review

There are many important sport events that are organized in environments with a very hot ambient temperature (Summer Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Tour de France, etc.) and in hot locations (e.g., Qatar). Additionally, in the context of global warming and heat wave periods, athletes are often subjected to hot ambient temperatures. It is known that exercising in the heat induces disturbances that may provoke premature fatigue and negatively affects overall performance in both endurance and high intensity exercises. Deterioration in several cognitive functions may also occur, and individuals may be at risk for heat illnesses. To train, perform, work and recover and in a safe and effective way, cooling strategies have been proposed and have been routinely applied before, during and after exercise. However, there is a limited understanding of the influences of per-cooling on performance, and it is the subject of the present review. This work examines the influences of per-cooling of different areas of the body on performance in terms of intense short-term exercises ("anaerobic" exercises), endurance exercises ("aerobic" exercises), and cognitive functioning and provides detailed strategies that can be applied when individuals train and/or perform in high ambient temperatures.

The effects of lower body passive heating combined with mixed-method cooling during half-time on second-half intermittent sprint performance in the heat

PURPOSE

This study examined the effects of combined cooling and lower body heat maintenance during half-time on second-half intermittent sprint performances.

METHODS

In a repeated measures design, nine males completed four intermittent cycling trials (32.1 ± 0.3 °C and 55.3 ± 3.7% relative humidity), with either one of the following half-time recovery interventions; mixed-method cooling (ice vest, ice slushy and hand cooling; COOL), lower body passive heating (HEAT), combined HEAT and COOL (COMB) and control (CON). Peak and mean power output (PPO and MPO), rectal (T_re), estimated muscle (T_es-Mus) and skin (T_SK) temperatures were monitored throughout exercise.

RESULTS

During half-time, the decrease in T_re was substantially greater in COOL and COMB compared with CON and HEAT, whereas declines in T_es-Mus within HEAT and COMB were substantially attenuated compared with CON and COOL. The decrease in T_SK was most pronounced in COOL compared with CON, HEAT and COMB. During second-half, COMB and HEAT resulted in a larger decrease in PPO and MPO during the initial stages of the second-half when compared to CON. In addition, COOL resulted in an attenuated decrease in PPO and MPO compared to COMB in the latter stages of second-half.

CONCLUSION

The maintenance of T_es-Mus following half-time was detrimental to prolonged intermittent sprint performance in the heat, even when used together with cooling.

Influence of warm-up duration and recovery interval prior to exercise on anaerobic performance

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of different active warm-up (AWU) durations and the rest interval separating it from exercise on anaerobic performance. Eleven male physical education students (22.6 ± 2.52 years; 179.2 ± 4.3 cm; 82.5 ± 9.7 kg; mean ± SD) participated in a cross-over randomized study, and they all underwent the Wingate test after three AWU durations: 5 min (AWU5), 15 min (AWU15) and 20 min (AWU20), with recovery (WREC) or without a recovery interval (NREC) separating the AWU and anaerobic exercise performance. All the AWUs consisted of pedalling at a constant pace of 60 rpm at 50% of the maximal aerobic power. The rest interval between the end of warm-up and the beginning of exercise was set at 5 min. During the Wingate test, peak power (PP), mean power (MP) and the fatigue index (FI) were recorded and analysed. Oral temperature was recorded at rest and at the end of the warm-up. Likewise, rest, post-warm-up and post-Wingate heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during each session. The ANOVA showed a significant effect of recovery interval, warm-up duration and measurement point on RPE scores (P<0.001). Although the effect of AWU duration on MP and PP was significant (P<0.05), the effect of the recovery interval on both parameters was not significant (P>0.05). Moreover, the analyses showed a significant interaction between recovery interval and AWU duration (P<0.001 and P<0.05 for MP and PP respectively). The AWU15 duration improves the MP and PP when associated with a recovery interval prior to exercise of 5 min. However, the AWU5 duration allows better improvement of power output when the exercise is applied immediately after the warm-up. Consequently, physically active males, as well as educators and researchers interested in anaerobic exercise, must take into account the duration of warm-up and the following recovery interval when practising or assessing activities requiring powerful lower limb muscle contractions.

Effects of heat exposure in the absence of hyperthermia on power output during repeated cycling sprints

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of heat exposure in the absence of hyperthermia on power output during repeated cycling sprints. Seven males performed four 10-s cycling sprints interspersed by 30 s of active recovery on a cycle ergometer in hot-dry and thermoneutral environments. Changes in rectal temperature were similar under the two ambient conditions. The mean 2-s power output over the 1st–4th sprints was significantly lower under the hot-dry condition than under the thermoneutral condition. The amplitude of the electromyogram was lower under the hot-dry condition than under the thermoneutral condition during the early phase (0–3 s) of each cycling sprint. No significant difference was observed for blood lactate concentration between the two ambient conditions. Power output at the onset of a cycling sprint during repeated cycling sprints is decreased due to heat exposure in the absence of hyperthermia.

Effect of warm-up on intermittent sprint performance

We aimed to investigate the effects of different warm-up (WUP) intensities on 10 min of subsequent intermittent-sprint running performance. Eleven male, team-sport players performed four trials in a randomized, cross-over design, consisting of an intermittent-sprint protocol (15 × 20-m sprints) that followed either no-WUP or one of three 10-min WUP trials that varied in intensity. Warm-up intensities were performed at either (1) half the difference between anaerobic threshold (AT) and lactate threshold (LT) [(AT-LT)/2] below the LT = WUP 1; (2) midway between LT and AT level = WUP 2; (3) [(AT-LT)/2] above AT = WUP 3. Sprint times were fastest following WUP 3, compared with all other trials, for sprints 1-9 and 14, as well as for total accumulated sprints, with these results supported by moderate to large effect size (ES; range: d = -0.50 to -1.06) and "possible" to "almost certain" benefits. Warm-up 3 resulted in faster intermittent-sprint running performance compared with lower intensity WUPs and no WUP for the first 6 min of sprinting, with accumulated sprints for the entire 10 min protocol also being faster after WUP 3. This information may be pertinent to coaches of team-sport games with respect to player substitutions.

Acute effects of different volumes of dynamic stretching on vertical jump performance, flexibility and muscular endurance

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of different volumes of a dynamic stretching routine on vertical jump (VJ) performance, flexibility and muscular endurance (ME). Twenty-six males (age 22.2 ± 1.3 years) performed three separate randomized conditions: (i) a control (CON) condition (5-min jog + 12 min of resting), (ii) a 5-min jog + a dynamic stretching routine (DS1; 6.7 ± 1.3 min) and (iii) a 5-min jog + a dynamic stretching routine with twice the volume (DS2; 12.1 ± 1.6 min). The dynamic stretching routine included 11 exercises targeting the hip and thigh musculature. VJ performance (jump height and velocity) and flexibility were measured prior to and following all conditions, while ME was measured following all conditions. The DS1 and DS2 conditions increased VJ height and velocity (P<0.01), while the CON condition did not change (P>0.05). When compared to the CON condition, the DS1 condition did not improve ME (P>0.05), whereas the DS2 condition resulted in a significant (15.6%) decrease in the number of repetitions completed (P<0.05). Flexibility increased following all conditions (P<0.01), while the DS1 condition was significantly greater (P<0.01) than the CON condition at post-testing. These results suggest that dynamic stretching routines lasting approximately 6-12 min performed following a 5-min jog resulted in similar increases in VJ performance and flexibility. However, longer durations of dynamic stretching routines may impair repetitive high-intensity activities.

Optimising sprint interval exercise to maximise energy expenditure and enjoyment in overweight boys

The aim of this study was to identify the sprint frequency that when supplemented to continuous exercise at the intensity that maximises fat oxidation (Fat(max)), optimises energy expenditure, acute postexercise energy intake and enjoyment. Eleven overweight boys completed 30 min of either continuous cycling at Fat(max) (MOD), or sprint interval exercise that consisted of continuous cycling at Fat(max) interspersed with 4-s maximal sprints every 2 min (SI(120)), every 1 min (SI(60)), or every 30 s (SI(30)). Energy expenditure was assessed during exercise, after which participants completed a modified Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) followed by a buffet-type breakfast to measure acute postexercise energy intake. Energy expenditure increased with increasing sprint frequency (p < 0.001), but the difference between SI(60) and SI(30) did not reach significance (p = 0.076), likely as a result of decreased sprint quality as indicated by a significant decline in peak power output from SI(60) to SI(30) (p = 0.034). Postexercise energy intake was similar for MOD, SI(120), and SI(30) (p > 0.05), but was significantly less for SI(60) compared with MOD (p = 0.025). PACES was similar for MOD, SI(120), and SI(60) (p > 0.05), but was less for SI(30) compared with MOD (p = 0.038), SI(120) (p = 0.009), and SI(60) (p = 0.052). In conclusion, SI(60) appears optimal for overweight boys given that it maximises energy expenditure (i.e., there was no additional increase in expenditure with a further increase in sprint frequency) without prompting increased energy intake. This, coupled with the fact that enjoyment was not compromised, may have important implications for increased adherence and long-term energy balance.

The effects of warm-up on intermittent sprint performance in a hot and humid environment

It is unknown whether a passive warm-up or an active warm-up performed at an intensity based on lactate thresholds could improve prolonged intermittent-sprint performance either in thermoneutral or hot environmental conditions. To investigate this issue, 11 male athletes performed three trials that consisted of 80 min of intermittent-sprinting performed on a cycle ergometer, preceded by either an active or a passive warm-up. Active warm-up and intermittent-sprint performance were performed in both hot and thermoneutral environmental conditions, while passive warm-up and intermittent-sprint performance were performed in hot conditions only. First sprint performance was also assessed. Results showed no significant interaction effects between any of the trials for total work (J · kg(-1)), work decrement, and power decrement (P = 0.10, P = 0.42, P = 0.10, respectively). While there were no significant differences between trials for work done for first sprint performance (P = 0.22), peak power was significantly higher after passive warm-up compared with active warm-up performed in either thermoneutral (P = 0.03) or in hot conditions (P = 0.02). Results suggest that the main benefits of warm-up for first sprint performance are derived from temperature-related effects. Active warm-up did not impair prolonged intermittent-sprint performance in the heat compared with thermoneutral conditions.

The effect of warm-up on intermittent sprint performance and selected thermoregulatory parameters

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of various warm-up intensities based upon individual lactate thresholds on subsequent intermittent sprint performance, as well as to determine which temperature (muscle; T(mu), rectal; T(re) or body; T(b)) best correlated with performance (total work, work and power output of the first sprint, and % work decrement).

DESIGN

Nine male team-sport participants performed five 10-min warm-up protocols consisting of different exercise intensities on five separate occasions, separated by a week.

METHODS

Each warm-up protocol was followed by a 6×4-s intermittent sprint test performed on a cycle ergometer with 21-s of recovery between sprints. T(mu), T(re) and T(b) were monitored throughout the test.

RESULTS

There were no differences between warm-up conditions for total work (J kg⁻¹; P=0.442), first sprint work (J kg⁻¹; P=0.769), power output of the first sprint (W kg⁻¹; P=0.189), or % work decrement (P=0.136), respectively. Moderate to large effect sizes (>0.5; Cohen's d) suggested a tendency for improvement in every performance variable assessed following a warm-up performed at an intensity midway between lactate inflection and lactate threshold. While T(mu), T(re), T(b), heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion and plasma lactate increased significantly during the exercise protocols (P<0.05), there were no significant correlations between T(mu), T(re), and T(b) assessed immediately after each warm-up condition and any performance variable assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

Warm-up performed at an intensity midway between lactate inflection and lactate threshold resulted in optimal intermittent sprint performance. Significant increases in T(mu), T(re) and T(b) during the sprint test did not affect exercise performance between warm-up conditions.

Effects of different precooling techniques on repeat sprint ability in team sport athletes

This study aimed to compare the simultaneous use of internal and external precooling methods with singular methods and their effect on repeated sprint cycling in hot/humid conditions. Twelve male team sport players completed four experimental conditions, initially involving a 30-min precooling period consisting of either a cooling jacket (J); ingestion of an ice slushy ice slushy; combination of cooling jacket and ice ingestion (J + ice slushy); or control (CONT). This was followed by 70 min of repeat sprint cycling (in~35°C, 60% relative humidity [RH]), consisting of 2 × 30-min halves, separated by a 10-min half-time period where the same cooling method was again used. Each half comprised 30 × 4 s maximal sprints on 60 s, interspersed with sub-maximal exercise at varying intensities. Total mean power and work performed were significantly higher (p = 0.02) in J + ice slushy (233.6 ± 31.4 W) compared to ice slushy (211.8 ± 34.5 kJ), while moderate effect sizes (ES: d = 0.67) suggested lower core temperatures (TC) in J + ice slushy (36.8 ± 0.3°C) compared to J (37.0 ± 0.3°C) and CONT (37.0 ± 0.3°C) following precooling. A moderate ES (d = 0.57) also indicated lower TC in J + ice slushy (38.2 ± 0.3) compared to ice slushy (38.4 ± 0.4°C) after half-time cooling. Change (Δ) in mean skin temperature over half-time cooling was significantly greater (p = 0.036) for J (1.0 ± 0.4°C) compared to ice slushy (0.5 ± 0.5°C), and ES (d = 0.5-1.10) also suggested a greater Δ for J compared to the other conditions. Sweat loss was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in ice slushy and J + ice slushy compared to J and CONT. In conclusion, a combination of (external and internal) body cooling techniques may enhance repeated sprint performance in the heat compared to individual cooling methods.

Repeated-sprint ability - part I: factors contributing to fatigue

Short-duration sprints (<10 seconds), interspersed with brief recoveries (<60 seconds), are common during most team and racket sports. Therefore, the ability to recover and to reproduce performance in subsequent sprints is probably an important fitness requirement of athletes engaged in these disciplines, and has been termed repeated-sprint ability (RSA). This review (Part I) examines how fatigue manifests during repeated-sprint exercise (RSE), and discusses the potential underpinning muscular and neural mechanisms. A subsequent companion review to this article will explain a better understanding of the training interventions that could eventually improve RSA. Using laboratory and field-based protocols, performance analyses have consistently shown that fatigue during RSE typically manifests as a decline in maximal/mean sprint speed (i.e. running) or a decrease in peak power or total work (i.e. cycling) over sprint repetitions. A consistent result among these studies is that performance decrements (i.e. fatigue) during successive bouts are inversely correlated to initial sprint performance. To date, there is no doubt that the details of the task (e.g. changes in the nature of the work/recovery bouts) alter the time course/magnitude of fatigue development during RSE (i.e. task dependency) and potentially the contribution of the underlying mechanisms. At the muscle level, limitations in energy supply, which include energy available from phosphocreatine hydrolysis, anaerobic glycolysis and oxidative metabolism, and the intramuscular accumulation of metabolic by-products, such as hydrogen ions, emerge as key factors responsible for fatigue. Although not as extensively studied, the use of surface electromyography techniques has revealed that failure to fully activate the contracting musculature and/or changes in inter-muscle recruitment strategies (i.e. neural factors) are also associated with fatigue outcomes. Pending confirmatory research, other factors such as stiffness regulation, hypoglycaemia, muscle damage and hostile environments (e.g. heat, hypoxia) are also likely to compromise fatigue resistance during repeated-sprint protocols.

Self-paced intermittent-sprint performance and pacing strategies following respective pre-cooling and heating

This study examined the effects of pre-exercise cooling and heating on neuromuscular function, pacing and intermittent-sprint performance in the heat. Ten male, team sport athletes completed three randomized, counterbalanced conditions including a thermo-neutral environment (CONT), whole body submersion in an ice bath (ICE) and passive heating in a hot environment (HEAT) before 50 min of intermittent-sprint exercise (ISE) in the heat (31 + 1°C). Exercise involved repeated 15 m maximal sprints and self-paced exercise of varying intensities. Performance was measured by sprint times and distance covered during self-paced exercise. Maximal isometric contractions were performed to determine the maximal voluntary torque (MVT), activation (VA) and contractile properties. Physiological measures included heart rate (HR), core (T (core)) and skin (T (skin)) temperatures, capillary blood and perceptual ratings. Mean sprint times were slower during ICE compared to HEAT (P < 0.05). Total distance covered was not different between conditions, but less distance was covered during HEAT in 31-40 min compared to CONT, and 41-50 min compared to ICE (P < 0.05). MVT was reduced post-exercise compared to post-intervention in CONT and HEAT. VA was reduced post-intervention in HEAT compared to CONT and ICE, and post-exercise compared to ICE (P < 0.05). HR, T (core) and T (skin) during exercise were lower in ICE compared to CONT and HEAT (P < 0.05). Sprint times and distance covered were not affected by ICE and HEAT conditions compared to CONT. However, initial sprint performance was slowed by pre-cooling, with improvements following passive heating possibly due to altered contractile properties. Conversely, pre-cooling improved exercise intensities, whilst HEAT resulted in greater declines in muscle recruitment and ensuing distance covered.

Effect of cold water immersion on repeated 1-km cycling performance in the heat

This study examined the effect of a short cold water immersion (CWI) intervention on rectal and muscle temperature, isokinetic strength and 1-km cycling time trial performance in the heat. Ten male cyclists performed a 1-km time trial at 35.0+/-0.3 degrees C and 40.0+/-3.0% relative humidity, followed by 20 min recovery sitting in either cold water (14 degrees C) for 5 min or in 35 degrees C air (control); a second 1-km time trial immediately followed. Peak and mean cycling power output were recorded for both time trials. Rectal and muscle temperature, and maximal isokinetic concentric torque of the knee extensors were measured before and immediately after the first and second time trials. Rectal temperature was not different between cold water immersion and control conditions at any time points. After the second time trial, however, muscle temperature was significantly lower (-1.3+/-0.7 degrees C) in cold water immersion compared with the control trial. While peak and mean power decreased from the first to second time trial in both conditions (-86+/-54 W and -24+/-16 W, respectively), maximal isokinetic concentric torque was similar between conditions at all time points. The 5 min cold water immersion intervention lowered muscle temperature but did not affect isokinetic strength or 1-km cycling performance.