Abstract
Pre-cooling is used by many athletes for the purpose of reducing body temperature prior to exercise and, consequently, decreasing heat stress and improving performance. Although there are a considerable number of studies showing beneficial effects of pre-cooling, definite conclusions on the effectiveness of pre-cooling on performance cannot yet be drawn. Moreover, detailed analyses of the specific conditions under which pre-cooling may be most promising are, so far, missing. Therefore, we conducted a literature search and located 27 peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, which addressed the effects of pre-cooling on performance. These studies were analysed with regard to performance effects and several test circumstances (environmental temperature, test protocol, cooling method, aerobic capacity of the subjects).
Eighteen studies were performed in a hot (>26°C) environment and eight in a moderate. The cooling protocols were water application (n=12), cooling packs (n=3), cold drinks (n=2), cooling vest (n=6) and a cooled room (n=4). The following different performance tests were used: short-term, high-intensity sprints (n=2), intermittent sprints (n=6), time trials (n= 10), open-end tests (n=7) and graded exercise tests (n=2). If possible, subjects were grouped into different aerobic capacity levels according to their maximal oxygen consumption (\(\dot V\)O2max): medium 55–65mL/kg/min (n= 11) and high >65 mL/kg/min (n=6). For all studies the relative changes of performance due to pre-cooling compared with a control condition, as well as effect sizes (Hedges’g) were calculated. Mean values were weighted according to the number of subjects in each study.
Pre-cooling had a larger effect on performance in hot (+6.6%, g=0.62) than in moderate temperatures (+1.4%, g = 0.004). The largest performance enhancements were found for endurance tests like open-end tests (+8.6%, g=0.52), graded exercise tests (+6.0%, g=0.44) and time trials (+4.2%, g=0.44). A similar effect was observed for intermittent sprints (+3.3%, g = 0.43), whereas performance changes were smaller during short-term, high-intensity sprints (−0.5%, g = 0.03). The most promising cooling methods were cold drinks (+15.0%, g= 1.68), cooling packs (+5.6%, g = 0.70) and a cooled room (+10.7%, g = 0.49), whereas a cooling vest (+4.8%, g = 0.31) and water application (+1.2%, g = 0.21) showed only small effects. With respect to aerobic capacity, the best results were found in the subjects with the highest \(\dot V\)O2max (high +7.7%, g = 0.65; medium +3.8%, g = 0.27). There were four studies analysing endurance-trained athletes under time-trial conditions, which, in a practical sense, seem to be most relevant. Those studies found an average effect on performance of 3.7% (g = 0.48).
In summary, pre-cooling can effectively enhance endurance performance, particularly in hot environments, whereas sprint exercise is barely affected. In particular, well trained athletes may benefit in a typical competition setting with practical and relevant effects. With respect to feasibility, cold drinks, cooling packs and cooling vests can be regarded as best-practice methods.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Nybo L. Hyperthermia and fatigue. J Appl Physiol 2008 Mar; 104(3): 871–8
Gonzalez-Alonso J, Teller C, Andersen SL, et al. Influence of body temperature on the development of fatigue during prolonged exercise in the heat. J Appl Physiol 1999 Mar; 86 (3): 1032–9
Olschewski H, Brück K. Thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, and muscular factors related to exercise after precooling. J Appl Physiol 1988 Feb; 64 (2): 803–11
Schmidt V, Brück K. Effect of a precooling maneuver on body temperature and exercise performance. J Appl Physiol 1981 Apr; 50 (4): 772–8
Hessemer V, Langusch D, Brück LK, et al. Effect of slightly lowered body temperatures on endurance performance in humans. J Appl Physiol 1984 Dec; 57 (6): 1731–7
Marino FE. Methods, advantages, and limitations of body cooling for exercise performance. Br J Sports Med 2002 Apr; 36 (2): 89–94
Duffield R. Cooling interventions for the protection and recovery of exercise performance from exercise-induced heat stress. Med Sport Sci 2008; 53: 89–103
Scharhag-Rosenberger F, Meyer T, Gässler N, et al. Exercise at given percentages of \(\dot V\)O2max: heterogeneous metabolic responses between individuals. J Sci Med Sport 2010 Jan; 13 (1): 74–9
Arngrimsson SA, Petitt DS, Stueck MG, et al. Cooling vest worn during active warm-up improves 5-km run performance in the heat. J Appl Physiol 2004 May; 96 (5): 1867–74
Parsons K. Human thermal environments: the effects of hot, moderate, and cold environments on human health, comfort and performance. Boca Raton (FL): CRC-Press, 2002
Laursen PB. Training for intense exercise performance: high-intensity or high-volume training? Scand J Med Sci Sports 2010 Oct; 20 Suppl. 2: 1–10
Cohen J. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. 2nd ed. Hillsdale (NJ): Erlbaum, 1988
Bergh U, Ekblom B. Physical performance and peak aerobic power at different body temperatures. J Appl Physiol 1979 May; 46 (5): 885–9
Bogerd N, Perret C, Bogerd CP, et al. The effect of precooling intensity on cooling efficiency and exercise performance. J Sports Sci May 2010; 28 (7): 771–9
Booth J, Marino F, Ward JJ. Improved running performance in hot humid conditions following whole body precooling. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1997 Jul; 29 (7): 943–9
Cheung S, Robinson A. The influence of upper-body precooling on repeated sprint performance in moderate ambient temperatures. J Sports Sci 2004 Jul; 22 (7): 605–12
Drust B, Cable NT, Reilly T. Investigation of the effects of the pre-cooling on the physiological responses to soccer-specific intermittent exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 2000 Jan; 81(1–2): 11–7
Duffield R, Dawson B, Bishop D, et al. Effect of wearing an ice cooling jacket on repeat sprint performance in warm/humid conditions. Br J Sports Med 2003 Apr; 37 (2): 164–9
Duffield R, Steinbacher G, Fairchild TJ. The use of mixed-method, part-body pre-cooling procedures for team-sport athletes training in the heat. J Strength Cond Res 2009 Dec; 23 (9): 2524–32
Duffield R, Green R, Castle P, et al. Precooling can prevent the reduction of self-paced exercise intensity in the heat. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2010 Mar; 42 (3): 577–84
Duffield R, Marino FE. Effects of pre-cooling procedures on intermittent-sprint exercise performance in warm conditions. Eur J Appl Physiol 2007 Aug; 100 (6): 727–35
Hornery DJ, Papalia S, Mujika I, et al. Physiological and performance benefits of halftime cooling. J Sci Med Sport 2005 Mar; 8 (1): 15–25
Ihsan M, Landers G, Brearley M, et al. Beneficial effects of ice ingestion as a precooling strategy on 40-km cycling time-trial performance. Int J Sports Physiol Perform Jun 2010; 5 (2): 140–51
Kay D, Taaffe DR, Marino FE. Whole-body pre-cooling and heat storage during self-paced cycling performance in warm humid conditions. J Sports Sci 1999 Dec; 17 (12): 937–44
Lee JK, Shirreffs SM, Maughan RJ. Cold drink ingestion improves exercise endurance capacity in the heat. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2008 Sep; 40 (9): 1637–44
Lee DT, Haymes EM. Exercise duration and thermoregulatory responses after whole body precooling. J Appl Physiol 1995 Dec; 79 (6): 1971–6
Marsh D, Sleivert G. Effect of precooling on high intensity cycling performance. Br J Sports Med 1999 Dec; 33 (6): 393–7
Minett GM, Duffield R, Marino FE, et al. Volume-dependent response of pre-cooling for intermittent-sprint exercise in the heat. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011; 43 (9): 1760–9
Mitchell JB, McFarlin BK, Dugas JP. The effect of pre-exercise cooling on high intensity running performance in the heat. Int J Sports Med 2003 Feb; 24 (2): 118–24
Myler GR, Hahn AG, Tumilty D. The effect of preliminary skin cooling on performance of rowers in hot conditions. Excel 1989; 6 (1): 17–21
Quod MJ, Martin DT, Laursen PB, et al. Practical precooling: effect on cycling time trial performance in warm conditions. J Sports Sci 2008 Dec; 26 (14): 1477–87
Schniepp J, Campbell TS, Powell KL, et al. The effects of cold-water immersion on power output and heart rate in elite cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 2002 Nov; 16 (4): 561–6
Ückert S, Joch W. Effects of warm-up and precooling on endurance performance in the heat. Br J Sports Med 2007 Jun; 41 (6): 380–4
Yeargin S. Precooling improves endurance performance in the heat. Clin J Sport Med 2008 Mar; 18 (2): 177–8
Quod MJ, Martin DT, Laursen PB. Cooling athletes before competition in the heat: comparison of techniques and practical considerations. Sports Med 2006; 36 (8): 671–82
Wendt D, van Loon LJ, Lichtenbelt WD. Thermoregulation during exercise in the heat: strategies for maintaining health and performance. Sports Med 2007; 37 (8): 669–82
Maughan R, Shirreffs S. Exercise in the heat: challenges and opportunities. J Sports Sci 2004 Oct; 22 (10): 917–27
Asmussen E, Bøje O. Body temperature and capacity for work. Acta Physiol Scand 1945; 10: 1–22
Drust B, Rasmussen P, Mohr M, et al. Elevations in core and muscle temperature impairs repeated sprint performance. Acta Physiol Scand 2005 Feb; 183 (2): 181–90
Nybo L, Nielsen B. Hyperthermia and central fatigue during prolonged exercise in humans. J Appl Physiol 2001 Sep; 91 (3): 1055–60
Noakes TD. Physiological models to understand exercise fatigue and the adaptations that predict or enhance athletic performance. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2000 Jun; 10 (3): 123–45
Nielsen B, Nybo L. Cerebral changes during exercise in the heat. Sports Med 2003; 33 (1): 1–11
Nielsen B, Hales JR, Strange S, et al. Human circulatory and thermoregulatory adaptations with heat acclimation and exercise in a hot, dry environment. J Physiol 1993 Jan; 460: 467–85
Walters TJ, Ryan KL, Tate LM, et al. Exercise in the heat is limited by a critical internal temperature. J Appl Physiol 2000 Aug; 89 (2): 799–806
Caputa M, Feistkorn G, Jessen C. Effects of brain and trunk temperatures on exercise performance in goats. Pflugers Arch 1986 Feb; 406 (2): 184–9
Gonzalez-Alonso J, Calbet JA. Reductions in systemic and skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen delivery limit maximal aerobic capacity in humans. Circulation 2003 Feb 18; 107 (6): 824–30
Tucker R, Rauch L, Harley YX, et al. Impaired exercise performance in the heat is associated with an anticipatory reduction in skeletal muscle recruitment. Pflugers Arch 2004 Jul; 448 (4): 422–30
Castle PC, Macdonald AL, Philp A, et al. Precooling leg muscle improves intermittent sprint exercise performance in hot, humid conditions. J Appl Physiol 2006 Apr; 100 (4): 1377–84
Cheung SS. Neuropsychological determinants of exercise tolerance in the heat. Prog Brain Res 2007; 162: 45–60
Jeukendrup A, Saris WH, Brouns F, et al. A new validated endurance performance test. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1996 Feb; 28 (2): 266–70
Marino FE. Anticipatory regulation and avoidance of catastrophe during exercise-induced hyperthermia. Comp Bio-chem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2004 Dec; 139 (4): 561–9
Sleivert GG, Cotter JD, Roberts WS, et al. The influence of whole-body vs. torso pre-cooling on physiological strain and performance of high-intensity exercise in the heat. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2001 Apr; 128 (4): 657–66
Crowley GC, Garg A, Lohn MS, et al. Effects of cooling the legs on performance in a standard Wingate anaerobic power test. Br J Sports Med 1991 Dec; 25 (4): 200–3
Mohr M, Krustrup P, Nybo L, et al. Muscle temperature and sprint performance during soccer matches: beneficial effect of re-warm-up at half-time. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2004 Jun; 14(3): 156–62
Laursen PB, Jenkins DG. The scientific basis for highintensity interval training: optimising training programmes and maximising performance in highly trained endurance athletes. Sports Med 2002; 32 (1): 53–73
Edwards AM, Clark NA. Thermoregulatory observations in soccer match play: professional and recreational level applications using an intestinal pill system to measure core temperature. Br J Sports Med 2006 Feb; 40 (2): 133–8
Cheung SS, McLellan TM. Heat acclimation, aerobic fitness, and hydration effects on tolerance during uncompensable heat stress. J Appl Physiol 1998 May; 84 (5): 1731–9
Hopkins WG, Hawley JA, Burke LM. Design and analysis of research on sport performance enhancement. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999 Mar; 31 (3): 472–85
Hopkins WG, Hewson DJ. Variability of competitive performance of distance runners. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2001 Sep;33(9): 1588–92
Nishihara N, Tanabe S, Hayama H, et al. A cooling vest for working comfortably in a moderately hot environment. J Physiol Anthropol Appl Human Sci 2002 Jan; 21(1): 75–82
Siegel R, Mate J, Brearley MB, et al. Ice slurry ingestion increases core temperature capacity and running time in the heat. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2010 Apr; 42 (4): 717–25
Ross ML, Garvican LA, Jeacocke NA, et al. Novel pre-cooling strategy enhances time trial cycling in the heat. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2011; 43 (1): 123–33
Webb P. Afterdrop of body temperature during rewarming: an alternative explanation. J Appl Physiol 1986 Feb; 60 (2): 385–90
Rollnik JD, Witt K, Hanert W, et al. Rescue lifting system (RLS) might help to prevent death after rescue from immersion in cold water. Int J Sports Med 2001 Jan; 22 (1): 17–20
Acknowledgements
This work was funded by a grant from the German Federal Institute for Sports Sciences (Bundesinstitut für Sportwissenschaft, BISp, AZ 081501/09). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are directly relevant to the content of this review.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wegmann, M., Faude, O., Poppendieck, W. et al. Pre-Cooling and Sports Performance. Sports Med 42, 545–564 (2012). https://doi.org/10.2165/11630550-000000000-00000
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/11630550-000000000-00000