The effect of minimal differences in the skin-to-air vapor pressure gradient at various dry-bulb temperatures on self-paced exercise performance
The effects of dry-bulb temperature on self-paced exercise performance, along with thermal, cardiovascular and perceptual responses, were investigated by minimizing differences in the skin-to-air vapor pressure gradient (Psk,sat-Pa) between temperatures. Fourteen trained male cyclists performed 30-km time trials in 13˚C and 44% relative humidity (RH), 20˚C and 70% RH, 28˚C and 78% RH, and 36˚C and 72% RH. Power output was similar in 13˚C (275±31 W; mean and SD) and 20˚C (272±28 W; P=1.00), lower in 36˚C (228±36 W) than 13˚C, 20˚C and 28˚C (262±27 W; P<0.001) and lower in 28˚C than 13˚C and 20˚C (P<0.001). Peak rectal temperature was higher in 36˚C (39.6±0.4˚C) than all conditions (P<0.001) and higher in 28˚C (39.1±0.4˚C) than 13˚C (38.7±0.3˚C; P<0.001) and 20˚C (38.8˚C±0.3˚C; P<0.01). Heart rate was higher in 36˚C (163±14 beats·min-1) than all conditions (P<0.001) and higher in 20˚C (156±11 beats·min-1; P=0.009) and 28˚C (159±11 beats·min-1; P<0.001) than 13˚C (153±11 beats·min-1). Cardiac output was lower in 36˚C (16.8±2.5 l·min-1) than all conditions (P<0.001) and lower in 28˚C (18.6±1.6 l·min-1) than 20˚C (19.4±2.0 l·min-1; P=0.004). Ratings of perceived exertion were higher in 36˚C than all conditions (P<0.001) and higher in 28˚C than 20˚C (P<0.04). Self-paced exercise performance was maintained in 13˚C and 20˚C at a matched evaporative potential, impaired in 28˚C and further compromised in 36˚C in association with a moderately lower evaporative potential and marked elevations in thermal, cardiovascular and perceptual strain.