Cooling interventions for athletes: An overview of effectiveness, physiological mechanisms, and practical considerations

Abstract

Exercise-induced increases in core body temperature could negative impact performance and may lead to development of heat-related illnesses. The use of cooling techniques prior (pre-cooling), during (per-cooling) or directly after (post-cooling) exercise may limit the increase in core body temperature and therefore improve exercise performance. The aim of the present review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current scientific knowledge in the field of pre-cooling, per-cooling and post-cooling. Based on existing studies, we will discuss 1) the effectiveness of cooling interventions, 2) the underlying physiological mechanisms and 3) practical considerations regarding the use of different cooling techniques. Furthermore, we tried to identify the optimal cooling technique and compared whether cooling-induced performance benefits are different between cool, moderate and hot ambient conditions. This article provides researchers, physicians, athletes and coaches with important information regarding the implementation of cooling techniques to maintain exercise performance and to successfully compete in thermally stressful conditions.

The Impact of Mild Heat Stress During Prolonged Running On Gastrointestinal Integrity, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Systemic Endotoxin and Cytokine Profiles

“…Cooling behaviours such as consumption of cold fluids, application of ice packs, fanning, water spraying, and/or reduced workload are common practices during physical exertion in hot ambient conditions ( ≥ 35 °C ambient temperature (T amb )), with the intention to mitigate increases in core body temperature and reduce the risk of heat-related illness [1,3,6,42]. Such cooling behaviours may not be of prime concern during physical exertion in milder ambient conditions (~30 °C T amb ), resulting in similar increases in core body temperature (i. e., ≥ 39 °C) and cases of exertional heat illness [8,38].…”

Health complaints and heat stress prevention strategies during taper as predictors of peaked athletic performance at the 2015 World Athletics Championship in hot conditions

“…16,17 Nonetheless, our findings support the claims of Morrison et al 18 that the effects of pre-cooling have been overestimated due to the reduced air-flow in laboratory settings, relative to outdoor conditions. Although the use of pre-cooling interventions has also been recommended in recent reviews, 19 our findings suggest that the benefits for endurance athletes at athletics championships still remains questionable. Moreover, we found no associations between training in the heat before the championship and achieving a peak in performance according to the COI.…”

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

“…Vigorous cooling techniques that cover a large part of the body appear to be the most effective for improving performance [156]. For example, when cooling the torso and/or lower limbs, a large surface area is refreshed, and there are possibilities for effective heat exchange [26].…”