Australian researcher tried to develop and investigate the efficacy of a new pre-cooling strategy combining external and internal techniques on performance of a cycling time trial in a hot and humid environment.
11 well-trained male cyclists undertook 3 trials of cycling time trial in a controlled hot and humid environment (32-35 degrees C; 50-60% r.h.). The trials, separated by 3-7 days, consisted of 1) CON - no treatment apart from the ad libitum consumption of cold water (4 degrees C); 2) STD COOL - whole-body immersion in cold (10 degrees C) water for 10 min followed by wearing a cooling jacket or 3) NEW COOL - combination of consumption of 14 g.kg BM ice slurry made from a commercial sports drink while applying iced towels.
If there is a difference in rectal temperature before race between trials, no such effect was observed during trial for rectal temperature, heart rate or perceived exertion.
However, the trial NEW COOL was associated with a 3.0% increase in power (~8 W) and 1.3% improvement in performance time.
I think this improvement may be due to cooling but also to glucidic intake. Cyclists didn’t have access to sport drink in others trials.
Bibliography
Ross ML, Garvican LA, Jeacocke NA, Laursen PB, Abbiss CR, Martin DT, Burke LM.Novel Pre-Cooling Strategy Enhances Time Trial Cycling In the Heat. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010 May 27.
