Internal precooling decreases forehead and core temperature but does not alter choice reaction time during steady state exercise in hot, humid conditions

Abstract

This study aimed to determine if precooling via crushed ice ingestion reduces forehead skin temperature (Thead) and core temperature (Tcore) during exercise in the heat and whether it has an effect on choice reaction time (CRT). Ten males commenced a 30 min precooling period, ingesting either 7 g kg−1 of crushed ice (ICE) or room temperature water (CON) prior to cycling 60 min at 55% V̇O2peak in hot, humid conditions (35.0 ± 0.3 °C, 50.2 ± 2.1% Relative Humidity). The CRT task was completed upon arrival and after the precooling period in the lab, then at 15 min intervals during exercise in the heat. Precooling reduced Thead and Tcore to a greater degree in ICE (Thead: −0.8 ± 0.31 °C; Tcore: −0.9 ± 0.3 °C) compared with CON (Thead: −0.2 ± 0.3 °C; Tcore: −0.2 ± 0.2 °C) (p ≤ 0.001). Choice reaction time performance improved throughout the cycle for both conditions (p ≤ 0.05). Ice ingestion lowered thermal sensation (p = 0.003) and skin temperature (d = 0.88; Tskin), while heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion and thirst were similar between conditions (p > 0.05). Precooling effectively reduced Thead and Tcore but did not provide additional improvement in CRT during moderate exercise in the heat. Further investigation is required to determine whether the lower central and peripheral temperature after ice ingestion is beneficial for tasks of greater cognitive effort.