Mujika, I., de Txabarri, R. G., & Pyne, D. (2010). Effects of a new evaporative cooling solution during rowing in a warm environment. Presentation 617 at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; June 2-5.

This study evaluated the effect on indoor-rowing performance of a new evaporative cooling solution in a warm environment in highly trained rowers (N = 18). Ss performed two indoor rowing trials separated by 48 hours in a warm environment (temperature 25ºC, relative humidity 65%). Each trial consisted of a 10-minute warm-up at 55% PAP, five minutes of rest, a 10-minute submaximal row at 70% PAP, 10 minutes of rest, and finally a 2,000 m all-out time-trial. Ss were randomly assigned to an experimental cooling or a placebo condition. During cooling, Ss wore sweatbands soaked in an evaporative cooling solution on both forearms. In the placebo condition, Ss wore the same sweatbands soaked in cool water.

No differences were observed in heart rate, blood lactate, or rating of perceived exertion between treatments during the submaximal row or 2,000 m time-trial. There were no between-groups differences in time, mean power, sweat loss, or pacing strategy during the time-trial.

Implication. Evaporative cooling on the forearms does not affect rowing performance in a warm-environment.

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