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

PURPOSE: 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{%} RH). METHODS: On three occasions, nine males completed an intermittent treadmill-protocol with an exercise intensity and activity profile simulating a 4-set tennis match, with 90-s breaks between odd-numbered games and 120-s between sets, according to ITF rules. During breaks, either (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 (FANwet), or (3) no cooling (CON), were applied. Rectal (Tre) and mean skin (Tsk) temperature, and heart rate (HR) were measured throughout. Thermal sensation (TS) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed during breaks. Trials were terminated upon reaching a Tre {\textgreater}/=39.5 degrees C or volitional exhaustion. RESULTS: Seven, five and one participant completed FANwet, ICE and CON respectively. By end set 1, DeltaTre was lower in FANwet (0.92+/-0.15 degrees C) compared to CON (1.09+/-0.09 degrees C; P=0.01), and by end set 2 DeltaTre was lower (P{\textless}0.001) in FANwet (1.55+/-0.23 degrees C) and ICE (1.59+/-0.17 degrees C) compared to CON (1.99+/-0.19 degrees C). Mean RPE (FANwet:13.9+/-2.2; ICE:13.6+/-1.8; CON:16.6+/-1.8), HR (FANwet:163+/-21; ICE 164+/-22; CON: 175+/-19 beats.min), Tsk (FANwet:36.56+/-0.69 degrees C; ICE 36.12+/-0.44 degrees C; CON:37.21+/-0.42 degrees C) and TS were lower in FANwet and ICE (P{\textless}0.05) compared to CON by end set 2. CONCLUSIONS: The currently recommended ICE strategy successfully mitigates 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.     «

PURPOSE: 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{%} RH). METHODS: On three occasions, nine males completed an intermittent treadmill-protocol with an exercise intensity and activity profile simulating a 4-set tennis match, with 90-s breaks between odd-numbered games and 120-s between sets, according...     »