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This study examined the role of skin temperature on self-selected exercise intensity (i.e., power output). Eight well-trained, male cyclists completed two 60 min self-paced cycling bouts during which they completed as much work as possible. Using a liquid-perfused suit, skin temperature ( T Sk ) was changed during the two trials such that T Sk either started hot and was cooled (H to C) or started cold and was heated (C to H) throughout exercise. Pre-exercise core temperatures ( T C ) and heart rates (HR) were similar between trials, while T Sk , thermal comfort and thermal sensation were higher in H to C. The change in T Sk was similar in magnitude during the two trials. Work completed was greatest in C to H, which was attributed to a higher initial power output. T C was similar between trials. HR was similar until 35 min had elapsed, after which it became lower in H to C. The perception of effort increased similarly between the two trials, while thermal comfort and thermal sensation generally reflected the changes observed in T Sk . These results indicate that upon exercise commencement T Sk and the accompanying thermal perceptions are important inputs in the initial selection of exercise intensity.

The present study examined the effects of raising both skin temperature and core temperature, separately and in combination, on perceptions of heat-related fatigue (alertness, contentment, calmness and thermal comfort), cardiovascular function and on objective measures of cognitive performance (reaction time and accuracy). Ten (six males) subjects had cognitive performance assessed in three conditions; at low skin and low core temperature (LL), at high skin and low core temperature (HL) and at high skin and high core temperatures (HH). In one trial, subjects had their head and neck cooled (HC); the other trial was a control (CON). Raising skin temperature increased heart rate and decreased perception of thermal comfort ( P  < 0.05), whereas raising both skin and core temperature decreased perception of heat-related fatigue ( P  < 0.05) and increased cardiovascular strain ( P  < 0.05) resulting in decrements in cognitive performance shown by faster reaction times ( P  < 0.05) and a loss of accuracy ( P  < 0.05). At high skin and core temperatures, cooling the head and neck improved feelings of heat-related fatigue ( P  < 0.05) and cardiovascular strain ( P  < 0.05), but had no effect on cognitive performance. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that feelings of heat-related fatigue and cardiovascular strain can be attributed to a combination of elevated skin and core body temperature, whereas decrements in cognitive performance can be attributed to an elevated core temperature.

The capacity to perform exercise is reduced in a hot environment when compared to cooler conditions. A limiting factor appears to be a higher core body temperature ( T core ) and it has been suggested that an elevated T core reduces the drive to exercise, this being reflected in higher ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether passive heating to increase T core would have a detrimental effect on RPE and thermal comfort during subsequent exercise in the heat and whether head-cooling during passive heating would attenuate these unpleasant sensations of an elevated T core during subsequent exercise in the heat. Nine physically-active, non-heat-acclimated volunteers [6 males, 3 females; age: 21 ± 1 year, 50 ± 9 ml kg −1 ·min −1 , peak power output: 286 ± 43 W (mean ± SD)] performed two 12-minute constant-load cycling tests at 70% in a warm-dry environment (34 ± 1°C, relative humidity <30%) separated by a period of passive heating in a sauna (68 ± 3°C) to increase T core . In one trial, subjects had their head and face cooled continually in the sauna (HC), the other trial was a control (CON). Passive heating increased T core by 1.22 ± 0.03°C in the CON and by 0.75 ± 0.07°C in the HC trial ( P  < 0.01). Passive heating increased weighted mean skin temperature ( T msk ) in both the CON and HC trials ( P  < 0.01), however, head-cooling lowered T msk during passive heating ( P  < 0.05). Exercise time following passive heating was reduced in both the CON and HC trials ( P  < 0.05). Passive heating increased RPE ( P  < 0.01), however, RPE was lower following passive heating with head-cooling ( P  < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between T core and RPE ( r  = 0.82, P  < 0.001). In conclusion, our results suggest increased RPE during exercise in the heat is primarily due to the increase in T core . Furthermore, head-cooling attenuates the rise in T core and the effect on RPE is proportional to the rise on T core .