Does training in the cold improve cold performance?

Abstract

Despite the well-described physiological response to cold, little is known about how to best train persons to perform motor tasks in cold conditions. It is unclear if principles of training specificity would apply to motor skill training when cold because cold exposure reduces tactile sensitivity and cognitive function, which may reduce rather than enhance training efficacy. The purpose of this study is to determine whether training in the cold facilitates performance in the cold. To do this, we investigated the effect of cold or thermoneutral training on performance of the Grooved Pegboard Task. Twenty persons (11M, 9F, mean age 31.2 ± 5.44 years) visited the lab on two separate days and were randomly assigned to either a cold (5M, 5F) or thermoneutral (6M, 4F) training group. On day one, participants were tested at baseline and then performed 20 repetitions of the task according to their respective group assignment. Prior to each task repetition during training, the cold training group immersed their hand in cold water (2 °C) while the thermoneutral group immersed their hand in thermoneutral water (34 °C). Following training, participants were tested once again (immediate retention test). During testing, participants performed the task twice; once after immersing their hands in cold water and once after immersing their hands in thermoneutral water. On day two, delayed retention tests were performed. Time to completion and number of errors were recorded during testing. There were no differences in time to completion at delayed retention tests between thermoneutral and cold-trained groups (p = 0.434). The incidence of errors was significantly less in the cold-trained group than the thermoneutral training group at delayed retention testing (p = 0.035). The main finding of this study was that dexterity but not speed was improved by cold training. Further research is required but the findings presented here suggest that industries that require motor tasks in the cold could benefit from training employees in cold conditions.