Abstract
Exposure to cold can impair performance and threaten life and remains one of the largest killers of sports people (Whyte and Tipton, 2020). Preparation for events such as the Polar Circle Marathon (air temperature −15°C) will necessitate exposure to similar conditions to optimise performance, clothing and risk mitigation. This chapter focuses on measurement of the physiological responses to cold; the impact of cold-induced vasoconstriction on some common physiological measures is also discussed. Whether cold exposure is undertaken for athlete preparation or research, it should be remembered that humans cool 4–5 times faster in cold water than in air at the same temperature (see Chapter 15.4). Therefore, thorough risk assessments should be undertaken, including appropriate withdrawal criteria and exclusions (Table 14.3.1, and see also supplementary material).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Sport and Exercise Physiology Testing Guidelines: Volume I – Sport Testing |
| Editors | R. C. Richard Davison, Paul M. Smith, James Hopker, Michael J. Price, Florentina Hettinga, Garry Tew, Lindsay Bottoms |
| Place of Publication | London |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Chapter | 14.3 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Edition | 2nd |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781003045281 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780367492465, 9780367491338 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 14 Mar 2022 |