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Skin temperature as a thermal controller of exercise intensity

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Abstract

This study examined the role of skin temperature on self-selected exercise intensity (i.e., power output). Eight well-trained, male cyclists completed two 60 min self-paced cycling bouts during which they completed as much work as possible. Using a liquid-perfused suit, skin temperature (T Sk) was changed during the two trials such that T Sk either started hot and was cooled (H to C) or started cold and was heated (C to H) throughout exercise. Pre-exercise core temperatures (T C) and heart rates (HR) were similar between trials, while T Sk, thermal comfort and thermal sensation were higher in H to C. The change in T Sk was similar in magnitude during the two trials. Work completed was greatest in C to H, which was attributed to a higher initial power output. T C was similar between trials. HR was similar until 35 min had elapsed, after which it became lower in H to C. The perception of effort increased similarly between the two trials, while thermal comfort and thermal sensation generally reflected the changes observed in T Sk. These results indicate that upon exercise commencement T Sk and the accompanying thermal perceptions are important inputs in the initial selection of exercise intensity.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to express our gratitude to the subjects who participated in the experiments and to Blake Perry and Aaron Raman for their help with data collection. Additionally, we would like to thank Dr. R. Hugh Morton for his statistical advice. This study was supported by the Massey University Research Fund (RM14054). Zachary J. Schlader is supported by a New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship (Education New Zealand).

Conflict of interest

There are no conflicts of interest to report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Exercise and Sport Science, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand

    Zachary J. Schlader, Stephen R. Stannard & Toby Mündel

  2. Unilever Research and Development, Leeds, UK

    Shona E. Simmons

Authors
  1. Zachary J. Schlader
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  2. Shona E. Simmons
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  3. Stephen R. Stannard
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  4. Toby Mündel
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zachary J. Schlader.

Additional information

Communicated by Nigel A.S. Taylor.

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Schlader, Z.J., Simmons, S.E., Stannard, S.R. et al. Skin temperature as a thermal controller of exercise intensity. Eur J Appl Physiol 111, 1631–1639 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1791-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1791-1

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