Physiological and perceptual effects of precooling in wheelchair basketball athletes

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2016 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2016.1180098 · Published: January 1, 2016

Simple Explanation

The study investigated the impact of different cooling methods before exercise on wheelchair basketball players with spinal cord injuries. These athletes often struggle with body temperature regulation, especially in warm conditions. The researchers compared cold water immersion, slushie ingestion, and a combination of slushie ingestion with iced towels to see which method most effectively lowered body temperature before exercise. The goal was to determine which precooling strategies could help these athletes tolerate warm conditions better and for how long the cooling effects lasted.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

16 wheelchair basketball athletes with a SCI

Evidence Level

Level 2; Randomized, counterbalanced study

Key Findings

1
Cold water immersion (CWI) was the most effective method for reducing core and skin temperature in wheelchair basketball athletes with spinal cord injuries.
2
Combining slushie ingestion with iced towels (ST) also lowered skin temperature, but its effect on core temperature was less pronounced and shorter-lasting than CWI.
3
Athletes with higher levels of spinal cord impairment experienced a greater reduction in heart rate and a slower decline in core temperature after cooling interventions.

Research Summary

This study examined the effectiveness of different precooling strategies on wheelchair basketball athletes with spinal cord injuries. The aim was to identify methods that could help these athletes better tolerate warm conditions. The study found that cold water immersion was the most effective method for reducing core and skin temperature. A combination of slushie ingestion and iced towels also showed some benefit, but to a lesser extent. The level of spinal cord impairment influenced the physiological responses to cooling, with athletes with higher impairments experiencing greater heart rate reductions.

Practical Implications

Practical application of precooling

Cold water immersion is the most effective precooling strategy, but may not always be feasible. Slushie ingestion with iced towels is a viable alternative.

Timing of precooling

The timing of precooling should be adjusted based on the method used. Slushies and towels should be implemented closer to the start of exercise compared to cold water immersion.

Individualized cooling protocols

Cooling strategies should be tailored to the individual's level of spinal cord impairment, with those with higher lesions potentially needing less exposure to cooling.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of a performance measure to directly assess the impact of precooling on athletic performance.
2
Caffeine intake prior to the trial was not controlled.
3
The study did not investigate the effects of larger volumes of slushies, which may have a greater cooling effect.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury