Matsunami, M., &Taimura, A. (2001). Thermoregulatory and perceptual response to swimming with a cap. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 751.

Selected physiological responses and perceived heat sensation during swimming with a cap were investigated. Female competitive swimmers (N = 9) swam 2000 m in warm water (29.7 degrees Celsius) using front crawl stroke and a commercially available silicone swimming cap.

It was found that the caps increased cranial temperature greater than the body. The use of caps in warm water could increase the level of stress on the swimmer. Not using a cap could improve tolerance for swimming in warm environments.

Implication. Do not wear swim caps when training in warm water (30 degrees Celsius).

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