Citation

Sinclair WH, Rudzki SJ, Leicht AS, Fogarty AL, Winter SK, Patterson MJ. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2009; 41(11): 1984-1990.

Affiliation

1Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, AUSTRALIA; 2Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety, Australian Army, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, AUSTRALIA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181a7ae82

PMID

19812521

Abstract

PURPOSE:: To contrast the effects of three postcooling techniques in reducing body core temperature (Tc) in exercise-induced hyperthermic participants on the cessation of exercise. METHODS:: Eleven healthy active male volunteers were cooled during a 40-min period using three different methods: ice packs to the neck, axillae, and groin (ICE); water spray and fan (FAN); and 2 L of chilled (20 degrees C) intravenous saline administered during a 20-min period (IV). Rate of decrease in Tc, cardiovascular responses, and any incidence of reported adverse effects were investigated. Trials were presented in a counterbalanced order with the volunteers' body core temperature being elevated to 40.0 degrees C on three occasions via an intermittent walk-run (2 min at 6 km.h and 4 min at 10 km.h) protocol conducted within a climate-controlled chamber (34.2 +/- 0.5 degrees C and 62.3 +/- 3.1% relative humidity). RESULTS:: Rate of Tc reduction during the first 20 min of ooling was greater for FAN compared with ICE (0.09 +/- 0.02 degrees C.min vs 0.07 +/- 0.02 degrees C.min, P < 0.05), whereas IV did not differ with the other trials (0.08 +/- 0.01 degrees C.min, P > 0.05). Three participants complained of numbness or paresthesia in their arm or hand during administration of the chilled saline, although these symptoms resolved within 5 min of ceasing the infusion. CONCLUSIONS:: All three cooling techniques reduced Tc and would be suitable for first aid application in a field setting during transportation to adequate medical facilities. Chilled IV saline did not produce any contraindications, providing a suitable alternative for Tc cooling.

Language: en