Bolster, D. R., Trappe, S. W., Short, K. R., Moore, M., Parcell, A. C., & Schulze, K. E. (1998). The effects of precooling on thermoregulation during subsequent exercise in a warm environment. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 1270.

The effects of precooling on performance of a simulated portion of a triathlon (swim, bike) in a warm environment (~25.6/~26.6 degrees Celsius) were evaluated. Ss (N = 6) performed a precooling and normal trial. The precooling consisted of lowering the core temperature by -0.5 degrees Celsius in water. Cooling took slightly more than 30 minutes.

Precooling slowed the rise in temperature in cycling but the effect was short-lived. All other measures were similar between trials.

Implication. Precooling is not recommended for endurance exercise in a warm environment.

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