In-Play Cooling Interventions for Simulated Match-Play Tennis in Hot/Humid Conditions

摘要

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of different in-play cooling strategies for mitigating heat strain during simulated tennis match-play activity in a hot/humid environment representing the most extreme conditions during the US Open (36 degrees C, 50% relative humidity). Methods: On three occasions, nine males completed an intermittent treadmill protocol with an exercise intensity and activity profile simulating a four-set tennis match, with 90-s breaks between odd-numbered games and 120-s breaks between sets, according to International Tennis Federation rules. During breaks, 1) the currently used cooling strategy-an ice-filled damp towel around the neck and a cold-damp towel on the head and thighs (ICE); 2) wetting of arms, neck, face, and lower legs with a sponge in front of an electric fan (FAN(wet)); or 3) no cooling (CON) were applied. Rectal (T-re) and mean skin (T-sk) temperature and HR were measured throughout. Thermal sensation and RPE were assessed during breaks. Trials were terminated upon reaching a T-re >= 39.5 degrees C or volitional exhaustion. Results: Seven, five, and one participant completed FAN(wet), ICE, and CON, respectively. By end set 1, Delta T-re was lower in FAN(wet) (0.92 degrees C +/- 0.15 degrees C) compared with CON (1.09 degrees C +/- 0.09 degrees C, P = 0.01), and by end set 2, Delta T-re was lower (P < 0.001) in FAN(wet) (1.55 degrees C +/- 0.23 degrees C) and ICE (1.59 degrees C +/- 0.17 degrees C) compared with CON (1.99 degrees C +/- 0.19 degrees C). Mean RPE (FANwet = 13.9 +/- 2.2, ICE = 13.6 T 1.8, CON = 16.6 +/- 1.8), HR (FANwet = 163 +/- 21, ICE 164 +/- 22, CON = 175 +/- 19 bpm), Tsk (FANwet = 36.56 degrees C +/- 0.69 degrees C, ICE 36.12 degrees C T 0.44 degrees C, CON = 37.21 degrees C +/- 0.42 degrees C), and thermal sensation were lower in FANwet and ICE (P G 0.05) compared with CON by end set 2. Conclusions: The currently recommended ICE strategy successfullymitigates thermal strain during simulated tennis match play in hot/humid conditions. The FANwet intervention is an equally effective alternative that may be more practical in limited resource settings.