Exercise at Cold Environment

In physiological aspect, the body trying produce more heat and prevent heat loss during exercising at cold environment.

• Temperature Gradient:

  Exercising in cold (5°) environment has greater temperature gradient than during thermoneutral (20°) environment.
  ↓ Temperature = ↑ Temperature gradient

• Vasoconstriction:

  To prevent excessive heat loss and loss of core temperature (hypothermia), body will vasoconstrict cutaneous blood vessels.

• Reduction in free fatty acids:

  Vasoconstriction causes reduction in circulating free fatty acids. This leads to working mucles rely on glycogen for energy source.

• Earlier fatigue:

  loss of heat from muscles leads to altered muscle pattern and reduced neural conduction. This leads to earlier onset of fatigue.

1. Death

2. Cardiac failure

3. Frostbite

Commonly occur in feet, hands, ears, lips and nose.

Reduce the exposure of skin to cold environment can prevent cold injuries.

Get adopt to cold environment before competing. (i.e. Train in cold environment during off session).

1. Osilla EV, Marsidi JL, Sharma S., physiology , temperature regulation (2020).
2. Basit H, Wallen TJ, Dudley C., Frostbite (2021).
3. K. Birch, D. McLaren & K. George., Sports and Exercise Physiology.

Creator Details

Name	:	Deva senathipathi
Qualifications	:	Physiotherapist