The relationship between body composition and thermal responses to hot and cold water immersion

Jessica M Stephens; Christos K Argus; Matthew W Driller

doi:10.7771/2327-2937.1051

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The relationship between body composition and thermal responses to hot and cold water immersion

Journal article

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The relationship between body composition and thermal responses to hot and cold water immersion

Jessica M Stephens, Christos K Argus and Matthew W Driller

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments, Vol.11(2), 1

2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7771/2327-2937.1051

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Abstract

Human Movement and Sports Science

hydrotherapy

recovery

body composition

core temperature

thermal sensation

The current study aimed to examine the influence of body fat percentage on thermal responses to water immersion at the two temperature extremes used in athletic recovery, by comparing the thermal responses of low- and high-fat individuals to immersion in hot water (HWI) or cold water (CWI). Thirty-nine subjects completed a body composition assessment (to determine low-fat and high-fat groups), and 15 minutes of either CWI (n = 20) or HWI (n = 19), followed by 30 minutes of passive rest. Core temperature (Tc), skin temperature (Tsk), and thermal sensation (TSS) were recorded at various time points during immersion and throughout the rest period. There were no significant differences between the low- and high-fat groups during CWI; however, the low-fat group had a significantly lower Tc compared to the high-fat group at 10, 20, and 30 minutes post-CWI (p less than 0.05). During HWI, the low-fat group had a significantly higher Tc at 5 minutes (p less than 0.05). In the low-fat group, TSS was significantly lower at 15 minutes of CWI (p = 0.03) and significantly higher at 15 minutes of HWI (p = 0.03), relative to the high-fat group. There were no significant differences between groups for Tsk measurements. Percentage body fat affects physiological and perceptual responses to immersion in both hot and cold water. Current hydrotherapy practices may need to be individualized to ensure optimal recovery.

Details

Title: The relationship between body composition and thermal responses to hot and cold water immersion
Authors: Jessica M Stephens (Author) - Australian Institute of Sport
Christos K Argus (Author) - Australian Institute of Sport
Matthew W Driller (Author) - Australian Institute of Sport
Publication details: Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments, Vol.11(2), 1; 9
Publisher: Society for Human Performance in Extreme Environments
Date published: 2014
DOI: 10.7771/2327-2937.1051
ISSN: 1529-5168
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449959502621
Output Type: Journal article

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