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Gavel EH, Hawke KV, Logan-Sprenger HM. The Effect of Menthol Mouth Rinsing and Fluid Temperature on Male Cycling Performance in Thermoneutral Conditions. Nutrients 2024; 16:1016. [PMID: 38613049 PMCID: PMC11013829 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a menthol (MEN) mouth rinse (MR) on cycling time trial (TT) performance in thermoneutral conditions and to explore the impact of fluid temperature (cold water [CW] or thermoneutral water [TNW]) on MEN's effect on performance. METHODS Twelve trained male cyclists (VO2 peak, 61.4 ± 12.1 mL/kg/min) completed a cycling TT in thermoneutral conditions (21 ± 0.2 °C, 40 ± 0.6% relative humidity) with four different mouth rinses: (1) MEN + CW; (2) MEN + TNW; (3) CW; and (4) TNW. The time to complete the TT and the power output (W) were recorded. The ratings of perceived exertion (RPE, Borg 6-20), thermal sensation (TS), and thermal comfort (TC) were recorded prior to and throughout the TT. The core body temperature (Tc) and heart rate (HR) were recorded throughout. RESULTS The TT duration was not significantly different between trials (MEN + TNW: 38:11 ± 12:48, MEN + CW: 37:21 ± 13:00, CW: 38:12 ± 13:54, TNW: 36:06 ± 14:12 mins:secs, p < 0.05). The mean trial power output did not significantly differ between conditions (>0.05). The Tc, HR, RPE, TS, and TC were not significantly different between trials (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The results suggest that a MEN MR with either CW or TNW does not significantly improve cycling TT performance in trained male cyclists compared to a CW or TNW MR in thermoneutral conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica H. Gavel
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada;
- Departments of Family Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Kierstyn V. Hawke
- Faculty of Health Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada;
| | - Heather M. Logan-Sprenger
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, 2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada;
- Faculty of Health Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada;
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Gavel EH, Barreto G, Hawke KV, Stellingwerff T, James LJ, Saunders B, Logan-Sprenger HM. How Cool is That? The Effects of Menthol Mouth Rinsing on Exercise Capacity and Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2024; 10:18. [PMID: 38381237 PMCID: PMC10881929 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00679-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menthol (MEN) mouth rinsing (MR) has gained considerable interest in the athletic population for exercise performance; however, the overall magnitude of effect is unknown. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of menthol MEN MR and the impact it has on exercise capacity and performance. METHODS Three databases were searched with articles screened according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Three-level meta-analyses were used to investigate the overall efficacy of MEN MR and the impact it has on exercise capacity and performance. Meta-regressions were then performed with 1) mean VO2peak, 2) MEN swilling duration; 3) the MEN concentration of MR solution, 4) the number of executed swills throughout a single experiment, 5) the use of flavoured sweetened, non-caloric, or non-flavoured neutral solutions as controls, 6) mean environmental temperature at the time of exercise tests, and 7) exercise type as fixed factors to evaluate their influence on the effects of MEN MR. RESULTS Ten MEN MR studies included sufficient information pertaining to MEN MR and exercise performance and capacity. MR with MEN resulted in no significant change in capacity and performance (SMD = 0.12; 95% CI - 0.08, 0.31; p = 0.23, n = 1, tau21 < 0.0001, tau22 = < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). No significant influence was detected in meta-regressions for VO2peak, (estimate: 0.03; df = 8; 95% CI - 0.03, 0.09; p = 0.27), swilling duration (5 vs. 10 s: 0.00; df = 16; 95% CI - 0.41, 0.41; p = 1.0), MEN concentration (low [0.01%] vs. high [0.1%]: - 0.08; df = 15; 95% CI - 0.49, 0.32; p = 0.67), number of swills (estimate: 0.02; df = 13; 95% CI - 0.05, 0.09; p = 0.56), the use of flavoured sweetener or non-caloric as control (non-flavoured vs. flavoured: 0.12; df = 16; 95% CI - 0.30, 0.55; p = 0.55) or mean room temperature during exercise tests (estimate: 0.01; df = 16; 95% CI - 0.02, 0.04; p = 0.62). CONCLUSION MEN MR did not significantly improve overall exercise capacity and performance, though those involved in endurance exercise may see benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica H Gavel
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Gabriel Barreto
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kierstyn V Hawke
- Faculty of Health Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Trent Stellingwerff
- Canadian Sport Institute - Pacific, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Lewis J James
- National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Bryan Saunders
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine FMUSP, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heather M Logan-Sprenger
- Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Health Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
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Roriz M, Brito J, Teixeira FJ, Spyrou K, Teixeira VH. The effect of menthol rinsing before intermittent exercise on physiological, physical, and thermo-behavioral responses of male football referees in hot and humid environment. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1334739. [PMID: 38318484 PMCID: PMC10839052 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1334739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the current experiment, we aimed to evaluate whether eliciting pre-exercise non-thermal cooling sensations would alter perceptual measures, and physical and physiological responses in football referees. Methods Nine highly trained male football referees undertook two 45-minute intermittent exercise protocols in hot and humid conditions (34.2 ± 0.6°C, 62.5 ± 1.0% relative humidity). In a randomized counterbalanced crossover design, 1 of 2 beverages were given before the warm-up: a 0.01% menthol solution or a placebo noncaloric solution. Physical performance was quantified as total distance covered in each of the three 15-minute exercise blocks. Core temperature, heart rate, thermal sensation and thermal comfort were measured at rest and after each exercise block. Results No changes were observed between trials and over time for distance covered. No main effect of mouth rinse was observed for core temperature and heart rate, but both increased over time in all conditions (P < 0.001). Thermal sensation and thermal comfort were significantly improved with menthol after mouth-rinsing (P < 0.05), but with no differences at any other time-point. Discussion These results indicate that non-thermal cooling oral stimuli provide immediate behavioral changes but may not influence physiological or physical responses in football referees, during intermittent exercise in hot and humid environments. Clinical Trial Registration www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05632692.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Roriz
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto (FCNAUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - João Brito
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Filipe J. Teixeira
- Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz-Quebrada, Portugal
- Atlântica, Instituto Universitário, Fábrica da Pólvora de Barcarena, Barcarena, Portugal
| | - Konstantinos Spyrou
- UCAM Research Center for High Performance Sport, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Facultad de Deporte, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Vitor Hugo Teixeira
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto (FCNAUP), Porto, Portugal
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto (FADEUP), Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
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Wickham KA, Spriet LL. Food for thought: Physiological considerations for nutritional ergogenic efficacy. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14307. [PMID: 36648389 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Top-class athletes have optimized their athletic performance largely through adequate training, nutrition, recovery, and sleep. A key component of sports nutrition is the utilization of nutritional ergogenic aids, which may provide a small but significant increase in athletic performance. Over the last decade, there has been an exponential increase in the consumption of nutritional ergogenic aids, where over 80% of young athletes report using at least one nutritional ergogenic aid for training and/or competition. Accordingly, due to their extensive use, there is a growing need for strong scientific investigations validating or invalidating the efficacy of novel nutritional ergogenic aids. Notably, an overview of the physiological considerations that play key roles in determining ergogenic efficacy is currently lacking. Therefore, in this brief review, we discuss important physiological considerations that contribute to ergogenic efficacy for nutritional ergogenic aids that are orally ingested including (1) the impact of first pass metabolism, (2) rises in systemic concentrations, and (3) interactions with the target tissue. In addition, we explore mouth rinsing as an alternate route of ergogenic efficacy that bypasses the physiological hurdles of first pass metabolism via direct stimulation of the central nervous system. Moreover, we provide real-world examples and discuss several practical factors that can alter the efficacy of nutritional ergogenic aids including human variability, dosing protocols, training status, sex differences, and the placebo effect. Taking these physiological considerations into account will strengthen the quality and impact of the literature regarding the efficacy of potential ergogenic aids for top-class athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Wickham
- Environmental Ergonomics Lab, Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lawrence L Spriet
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Vogel RM, Varone N, Clark C, Ramirez K, Ross MLR, Swann C, Stevens CJ. A Menthol-Enhanced "Cooling" Energy Gel Does Not Influence Laboratory Time Trial Performance in Trained Runners. Nutrients 2023; 15:3379. [PMID: 37571316 PMCID: PMC10420894 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
l-menthol (menthol) is an organic compound derived from peppermint which imparts a refreshing mint flavor and aroma to oral hygiene products, chewing gum, and topical analgesics. Menthol has been identified as a non-thermal sensory cooling strategy for athletes when ingested or mouth-rinsed during exercise in hot environments. Therefore, sports nutrition products delivering a controlled concentration of menthol could be beneficial for athletes exercising in the heat. We sought to test the performance and perceptual outcomes of a novel menthol energy gel during treadmill running in the heat (33 °C, 49% RH). Fourteen trained runners (mean ± SD; age: 31 ± 6 years, VO2max: 56.5 ± 10.1 mL·kg-1·min-1, BMI: 23.2 ± 2.4 kg/m2; six female) participated in a randomized, crossover, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. A menthol-enhanced energy gel (0.5% concentration; MEN) or flavor-matched placebo (PLA) was ingested 5 min before and again at 20 and 40 min of a 40 min treadmill exercise preload at 60% VO2max, followed by a 20 min self-paced time trial. The total distance, vertical distance, perceptual measures (thermal comfort, thermal sensation, rating of perceived exertion, and affect), and cognitive performance via computerized neurocognitive assessment were measured. No difference between 20 min self-paced time trial total distance (MEN: 4.22 ± 0.54 km, PLA: 4.22 ± 0.55 km, p = 0.867), vertical distance (MEN: 49.2 ± 24.6 m, PLA: 44.4 ± 11.4 m, p = 0.516), or any perceptual measures was observed (all p > 0.05). Cognitive performance was not different between the trials (all p > 0.05). These results suggest that a menthol energy gel is not superior to a non-menthol gel in terms of performance or perception during treadmill running in the heat. More research is needed to confirm whether these findings translate to ecologically valid settings, including outdoor exercise in ambient heat and during competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne M. Vogel
- Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Research (PASER) Theme, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
- GU Energy Labs, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
| | - Nicole Varone
- School of Health Promotion & Kinesiology, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX 76201, USA (K.R.)
| | - Cayla Clark
- School of Health Promotion & Kinesiology, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX 76201, USA (K.R.)
| | - Kyndall Ramirez
- School of Health Promotion & Kinesiology, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX 76201, USA (K.R.)
| | | | - Christian Swann
- Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Research (PASER) Theme, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Stevens
- Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Research (PASER) Theme, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
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Mouth rinsing and ingesting salty or bitter solutions does not influence corticomotor excitability or neuromuscular function. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:1179-1189. [PMID: 36700971 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05141-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the effect of tasting unpleasant salty or bitter solutions on lower limb corticomotor excitability and neuromuscular function. METHODS Nine females and eleven males participated (age: 27 ± 7 years, BMI: 25.3 ± 4.0 kg m-2). Unpleasant salty (1 M) and bitter (2 mM quinine) solutions were compared to water, sweetened water, and no solution, which functioned as control conditions. In a non-blinded randomized cross-over order, each solution was mouth rinsed (10 s) and ingested before perceptual responses, instantaneous heart rate (a marker of autonomic nervous system activation), quadricep corticomotor excitability (motor-evoked potential amplitude) and neuromuscular function during a maximal voluntary contraction (maximum voluntary force, resting twitch force, voluntary activation, 0-50 ms impulse, 0-100 impulse, 100-200 ms impulse) were measured. RESULTS Hedonic value (water: 47 ± 8%, sweet: 23 ± 17%, salt: 71 ± 8%, bitter: 80 ± 10%), taste intensity, unpleasantness and increases in heart rate (no solution: 14 ± 5 bpm, water: 18 ± 5 bpm, sweet: 20 ± 5 bpm, salt: 24 ± 7 bpm, bitter: 23 ± 6 bpm) were significantly higher in the salty and bitter conditions compared to control conditions. Nausea was low in all conditions (< 15%) but was significantly higher in salty and bitter conditions compared to water (water: 3 ± 5%, sweet: 6 ± 13%, salt: 7 ± 9%, bitter: 14 ± 16%). There was no significant difference between conditions in neuromuscular function or corticomotor excitability variables. CONCLUSION At rest, unpleasant tastes appear to have no influence on quadricep corticomotor excitability or neuromuscular function. These data question the mechanisms via which unpleasant tastes are proposed to influence exercise performance.
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Crosby S, Butcher A, McDonald K, Berger N, Bekker PJ, Best R. Menthol Mouth Rinsing Maintains Relative Power Production during Three-Minute Maximal Cycling Performance in the Heat Compared to Cold Water and Placebo Rinsing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063527. [PMID: 35329209 PMCID: PMC8949398 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous menthol studies have demonstrated ergogenic effects in endurance-based activity. However, there is a need for research in sports whose physiological requirements exceed maximal aerobic capacity. This study assessed the effects of 0.1% menthol mouth-rinsing upon a modified three-minute maximal test in the heat (33.0 ± 3.0 °C; RH 46.0 ± 5.0%). In a randomised crossover single blind placebo-controlled study, 11 participants completed three modified maximal tests, where each trial included a different mouth rinse: either menthol (MEN), cold water (WAT) or placebo (PLA). Participants were asked to rate their thermal comfort (TC), thermal sensation (TS) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) throughout the test. Heart rate, core temperature, oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilation (VE) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were monitored continuously throughout the test, alongside cycling power variables (W; W/kg). A blood lactate (BLa) level was taken pre- and post- test. Small to moderate effects (Cohen's d and accompanying 90% confidence intervals) between solutions MEN, WAT and PLA were observed towards the end of the test in relation to relative power. Specifically, from 75-105 s between solutions MEN and WAT (ES: 0.795; 90% CI: 0.204 to 1.352) and MEN and PLA (ES: 1.059; 90% CI: 0.412 to 1.666), this continued between MEN and WAT (ES: 0.729; 90% CI: 0.152 to 1.276) and MEN and PLA (ES: 0.791; 90% CI: 0.202 to 1.348) from 105-135 s. Between 135-165 s there was a moderate difference between solutions MEN and WAT (ES: 1.058; 90% CI: 0.411 to 1.665). This indicates participants produced higher relative power for longer durations with the addition of the menthol mouth rinse, compared to cold water or placebo. The use of menthol (0.1%) as a mouth rinse showed small performance benefits for short duration high intensity exercise in the heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seana Crosby
- Centre for Sport Science & Human Performance, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand; (S.C.); (A.B.); (K.M.); (P.J.B.)
| | - Anna Butcher
- Centre for Sport Science & Human Performance, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand; (S.C.); (A.B.); (K.M.); (P.J.B.)
| | - Kerin McDonald
- Centre for Sport Science & Human Performance, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand; (S.C.); (A.B.); (K.M.); (P.J.B.)
| | - Nicolas Berger
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK;
| | - Petrus J. Bekker
- Centre for Sport Science & Human Performance, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand; (S.C.); (A.B.); (K.M.); (P.J.B.)
| | - Russ Best
- Centre for Sport Science & Human Performance, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand; (S.C.); (A.B.); (K.M.); (P.J.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Best R, Crosby S, Berger N, McDonald K. The Effect of Isolated and Combined Application of Menthol and Carbohydrate Mouth Rinses on 40 km Time Trial Performance, Physiological and Perceptual Measures in the Heat. Nutrients 2021; 13:4309. [PMID: 34959861 PMCID: PMC8708984 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study compared mouth swills containing carbohydrate (CHO), menthol (MEN) or a combination (BOTH) on 40 km cycling time trial (TT) performance in the heat (32 °C, 40% humidity, 1000 W radiant load) and investigates associated physiological (rectal temperature (Trec), heart rate (HR)) and subjective measures (thermal comfort (TC), thermal sensation (TS), thirst, oral cooling (OC) and RPE (legs and lungs)). Eight recreationally trained male cyclists (32 ± 9 y; height: 180.9 ± 7.0 cm; weight: 76.3 ± 10.4 kg) completed familiarisation and three experimental trials, swilling either MEN, CHO or BOTH at 10 km intervals (5, 15, 25, 35 km). The 40 km TT performance did not differ significantly between conditions (F2,14 = 0.343; p = 0.715; η2 = 0.047), yet post-hoc testing indicated small differences between MEN and CHO (d = 0.225) and MEN and BOTH (d = 0.275). Subjective measures (TC, TS, RPE) were significantly affected by distance but showed no significant differences between solutions. Within-subject analysis found significant interactions between solution and location upon OC intensity (F28,196 = 2.577; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.269). While solutions containing MEN resulted in a greater sensation of OC, solutions containing CHO experienced small improvements in TT performance. Stimulation of central CHO pathways during self-paced cycling TT in the heat may be of more importance to performance than perceptual cooling interventions. However, no detrimental effects are seen when interventions are combined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russ Best
- Centre for Sports Science and Human Performance, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand; (S.C.); (K.M.)
| | - Seana Crosby
- Centre for Sports Science and Human Performance, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand; (S.C.); (K.M.)
| | - Nicolas Berger
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK;
| | - Kerin McDonald
- Centre for Sports Science and Human Performance, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand; (S.C.); (K.M.)
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Chabert C, Collado A, Hue O. Temperate Air Breathing Increases Cycling Performance in Hot and Humid Climate Environment. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090911. [PMID: 34575060 PMCID: PMC8465945 DOI: 10.3390/life11090911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Practicing physical activity in a hot and humid climate (HHC) is becoming increasingly common due to anthropogenic climate change and the growing number of international sports events held in warm countries. The aim of this study was to understand the physiological and psychological effects of breathing two air temperatures during cycling exercise in HHC. Ten male athletes performed two sessions of exercise in HHC (T°: 32.0 ± 0.5 °C, relative humidity: 78.6 ± 0.7%) during which they breathed hot air (HA, 33.2 ± 0.06 °C) or temperate air (TA, 22.6 ± 0.1 °C). Each session was composed of 30 min of pre-fatigue cycling at constant intensity, followed by a 10 min self-regulated performance. During pre-fatigue, TA induced a better feeling score and a lower rating of perceived effort (respectively, +0.9 ± 0.2, p < 0.05; 1.13 ± 0.21; p < 0.05) with no changes in physiological parameters. During performance, oxygen consumption and mechanical workload were increased by TA (respectively, +0.23 ± 0.1 L min−1, p < 0.05 and +19.2 ± 6.1 W, p < 0.01), whereas no significant differences were observed for psychological parameters. Reducing the breathed air temperature decreased the discomfort induced by HHC during exercise and increased the performance capacity during self-regulated exercise. Thus, breathed air temperature perception is linked to the hardship of training sessions and directly contributes to the performance decrease in HHC.
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