The effects of a cooling collar on running performance and capacity in a hot environment

Tyler, C.J., 2008. The effects of a cooling collar on running performance and capacity in a hot environment. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

Preview

Text 10183522.pdf - Published version Download (30MB) | Preview

Abstract

Exercise performance and capacity are both impaired in hot compared to moderate environments although the mechanisms behind the premature termination of exercise are not fully understood. It is clear that the development of hyperthermia plays an integral role and so a variety of cooling interventions have been investigated in an attempt to attenuate the reduction in exercise performance and capacity observed. Cooling the torso has received substantial attention however, based upon data from animal, human and modelling studies, cooling the neck has been proposed as a more effective site to cool. The current thesis investigated the effect of a cooling collar on running performance and capacity in hot conditions (30 - 32°C; 53% rh). The thesis also examined the effect of the cooling collar on the physiological, perceptual and neuroendocrinological responses to the exercise bout. Chapter 4 reported that 15 min time-trial running performance was impaired by 9.8% in hot (30°C), compared to moderate (14°C), conditions. The application of the cooling-collar improved 15 min time-trial performance in a hot environment (30°C) in subsequent studies by ~6% and ~7% (Chapters 5, 6 and 8); attenuating much of the impairment in performance observed in Chapter 4. The improvements were observed without alterations in the physiological or neuroendocrinological response to the exercise bout. The rating of perceived exertion was also unaffected, although the collar positively altered the perception of thermal sensation. Cooling the neck also improved exercise capacity in a hot environment (32°) (by ~14%) due to a dampening of the perceived level of thermal and cardiovascular strain. Chapter 7 reported that cooling the neck had no performance benefit when the body was under insufficient thermal strain while Chapter 8 reported that there is a limit to the performance improvements that can be achieved. The data presented within the current thesis demonstrates that cooling the neck via a practical neck collar can improve running performance and capacity in a hot environment; this improvement has many potential advantages for athletes and coaches.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Tyler, C.J.
Date:	2008
ISBN:	9781369316865
Identifiers:	Number Type PQ10183522 Other
Rights:	This work is the intellectual property of the author, and may also be owned by the research sponsor(s) and/or Nottingham Trent University. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal, non-commereial research. Any re-use o f the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed in the first instance to the author.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	30 Sep 2020 14:54
Last Modified:	13 Sep 2023 15:11
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/41041

Actions (login required)

Edit View

Views

Downloads