Abstract des Autors

Precooling (lowering of body temperature prior to exercise) is an experimental way to improve performance in warm environments. Few studies have investigated the effects of precooling on endurance performance in warm environments. In these studies three different methods of precooling have been evaluated. Precooling resulted in significant decreases of skin, rectal and mean body temperature. In addition, a greater amount of heat storage and a decreased sweat rate was observed. These effects allow the athlete to complete more work before heat exhaustion may occur. After precooling a decrease in heart rate was only seen at the beginning of exercise. The effects on oxygen uptake were equivocal, as was the case for blood lactate concentrations. Endurance performance was significantly improved following precooling in four of the five studies. We conclude that precooling may have a beneficial effect on endurance performance in warm environments, although definite conclusions can not yet be drawn. Verf.-Referat