Hunter, I., Tegeder, A. R., & Martini, E. (2006). Core body temperature during cross country racing with the Nike ice-vest. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 825.

This study determined the effectiveness of using a Nike ice vest on body core temperature during two endurance races (4-km Big Wave Invitational in Hawaii and 5-km Great American Cross Country Festival in North Carolina) in warm (26-27°C), humid (RH=50-75%) conditions. Four hours before the start of racing, Division I NCAA women athletes at the Big Wave Invitational (N = 8) and at the Great American (N = 10) ingested a radiotelemetry temperature sensor. One hour before the start, body temperature was recorded and half the athletes in each race put on a wetted Race Day T (Nike Inc.) and an ice vest. Three more temperature readings were taken at 10 minutes and 1 minute before the start and immediately after each athlete finished racing. Immediately before the start of the race, the ice vest and race-day tee were removed. All Ss ran in the same uniform. Body core temperature was recorded at 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 1 minute before the race start and immediately after each athlete finished racing.

Core temperature was elevated significantly more in the no-vest group compared to the vest group. The core temperature difference persisted at one minute before the race start and immediately after the finish.

Implication. Wearing a Nike ice vest before a cross-country performance in warm, humid conditions allowed athletes to finish the competition with a lower body core temperature than those who did not wear an ice vest.

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