This project investigates the effectiveness of pre-exercise active cooling using a temperature-controlled cooling vest in reducing heat-related physiological strain during endurance-type aerobic exercise in non-regularly trained ("weekend") athletes under hot and humid environmental conditions. Because these individuals often lack sufficient heat-acclimation training, they are at increased risk of excessive thermal stress, cardiovascular overload, and heat-related disorders during prolonged exercise. Using a controlled laboratory design, participants will perform moderate-intensity endurance exercise in a simulated hot environment, with or without pre-cooling intervention. Peripheral circulation and thermoregulatory responses will be assessed through laser Doppler flowmetry based skin blood-flow analysis and infrared thermography, alongside heart rate and perceived exertion measures. The study aims to clarify how active pre-cooling influences vascular regulation, sympathetic activity, skin temperature distribution, and exercise tolerance, and to evaluate its potential as a practical, non-fatiguing alternative to heat-acclimation training. The findings are expected to provide evidence-based guidance for reducing heat strain and improving exercise safety and comfort in recreational endurance athletes exercising in hot climates.
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Heart Rate
Timeframe: During a single laboratory visit lasting approx. 40 minutes: baseline immediately before the pre cooling period,immediately after 30 minutes of pre cooling,immediately after the 5 minute exercise bout, and immediately after the 5 minute seated cool down.
Temperature
Timeframe: During a single laboratory visit lasting approx.40 minutes: baseline immediately before the pre cooling period, immediately after 30 minutes of pre cooling,immediately after the 5 minute exercise bout, and immediately after the 5 minute seated cool down.