Effects of Rain on Energy Metabolism while Running in a Cold Environment

R. Ito; M. Nakano; M. Yamane; M. Amano; T. Matsumoto

doi:10.1055/s-0032-1331770

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Table of Contents

Int J Sports Med 2013; 34(08): 707-711
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1331770

Physiology & Biochemistry

Effects of Rain on Energy Metabolism while Running in a Cold Environment

R. Ito

¹Department of Economics, Nihon Fukushi University, Chita-gun, Japan

,

M. Nakano

²Department of Human Health, Aichi Toho University, Toyota, Japan

,

M. Yamane

³Human Sciences, Aichi Mizuho College, Toyota, Japan

,

M. Amano

⁴Faculty of Human Wellness, Tokai Gakuen University, Miyoshi, Japan

,

T. Matsumoto

⁵Laboratory for Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics, Graduate School of Health and Sport Sciences, Chukyo University, Toyota, Japan

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Environmental factors tend to influence the performance of individuals who exercise for extended periods. The present study aimed to determine energy metabolism while running in cold, wet conditions using a climatic chamber that can precisely simulate rainy conditions. 7 healthy men (age, 23.3±2.9 (SD) y; height, 168.6±7.5 cm; weight, 65.9±8.1 kg; V. O_2max, 52.0±5.7 mL·kg^− 1·min^− 1) ran on a treadmill at 70% ˙VO_2max intensity for 30 min in a climatic chamber at an ambient temperature of 5°C in the presence (RAIN) or absence (CON) of 40 mm/h of precipitation. Expired air, esophageal temperature, heart rate, mean skin temperature, rating of perceived exertion and blood samples were measured. Esophageal temperature and mean skin temperature were significantly lower (P<0.05) in RAIN than in CON all. Minute ventilation, oxygen consumption and levels of plasma lactate and norepinephrine were significantly higher (P<0.05) in RAIN than in CON. In conclusion, the higher oxygen consumption and plasma lactate in RAIN indicated that energy demand increases when running in cold conditions.

Key words

weather - climatic chamber - oxygen consumption - lactate - thermoregulatory

Full Text

References

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