A Combination of Ice Ingestion and Head Cooling Enhances Cognitive Performance during Endurance Exercise in the Heat

his study assessed the effectiveness of head cooling during exercise in the heat on cognitive performance, either alone or with ice ingestion. Ten healthy males, non-acclimatized to heat, ran (70% V̇O2peak) for 2×30 min in heat (35 ± 0.9°C, 68.2 ± 6.9% RH). Participants completed 3 trials: 10 min of head cooling during exercise (HC); precooling with crushed ice (7gikg-1) and head cooling during exercise (MIX); or no-cooling/control (CON). Working memory was assessed using the automated operation span task (OSPAN) and serial seven test (S7). Following MIX, S7 scores were improved compared to CON (12 ± 9.5, p = 0.004, d = 1.42, 0.34-2.28) and HC (4 ± 5.5, p = 0.048, d = 0.45, -0.47 to 1.3) during exercise. Moderate to large effect sizes were recorded for S7 and OSPAN following MIX and HC compared to CON, suggesting a tendency for improved cognitive performance during exercise in heat. Following precooling (MIX), core body temperature (Tc) and forehead temperature (Th) were lower compared to baseline (-0.75 ± 0.37°C, p < 0.001; -0.31 ± 0.29°C, p = 0.008, respectively) but not in HC or CON (p > 0.05). Thermal sensation (TS) was lower in MIX and HC compared to CON during exercise (p < 0.05). The reduction in Tc, Th and TS with MIX may have attenuated the effect of heat and subsequently improved working memory during exercise in heat.

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0169 Misaligned Core Body Temperature Rhythms Impact Cognitive Performance of Hospital Shift Work Nurses

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsz067.168 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. A69-A70

Author(s):

Karen L Gamble ◽

Hylton E Molzof ◽

Aoyjai L Prapanjaroensin ◽

Vivek H Patel ◽

Mugdha V Mokashi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Temperature ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Shift Work ◽

Core Body Temperature ◽

Temperature Rhythms ◽

Core Body

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Misaligned core body temperature rhythms impact cognitive performance of hospital shift work nurses

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory ◽

10.1016/j.nlm.2019.01.002 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 160 ◽

pp. 151-159 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Hylton E. Molzof ◽

Aoyjai Prapanjaroensin ◽

Vivek H. Patel ◽

Mugdha V. Mokashi ◽

Karen L. Gamble ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Temperature ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Shift Work ◽

Core Body Temperature ◽

Temperature Rhythms ◽

Core Body

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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cognitive Performance among People with Chronic Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

Pain Medicine ◽

10.1093/pm/pnab005 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jane Akhurst ◽

Monica Lovell ◽

Amy Peacock ◽

Raimondo Bruno

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Cancer Pain ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Case Control ◽

Small Sample ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Attention And Memory ◽

Small Magnitude ◽

Meta Analyses

Abstract Objective Opioids, often prescribed for chronic non-cancer pain, may adversely affect cognition. Research has not been synthesised in recent years, during which time academic interest has increased. This study presents meta-analyses on cognitive performance in people taking opioids for CNCP. Methods We ran systematic literature searches in EMBASE, Medline, and PsycINFO. Eligible studies included people taking opioids for CNCP and an opioid-free group (i.e., case-control) or session (e.g., pre-post), and objective cognitive assessments. Using random-effects meta-analyses, we computed pooled effect sizes for differential task performance for each study design across five domains (motor performance, attention, working memory, executive functions, memory). Results Seventeen studies were included. Case-control studies covered 3 control types (healthy, CNCP, taper-off). Pre-post studies were grouped into 5 follow-ups (4–6 and 6–9 weeks; 3, 6, and 12 months). Effect sizes ranged from 0.02–0.62. Cases showed small magnitude impairments in attention and memory compared with healthy controls. Although limited by small sample sizes, there was no clear evidence of impairment in cases compared with opioid-free controls with CNCP. Cases showed some cognitive improvements from opioid-free baseline to follow-up. Effects were strongest for attention and working memory, and were apparent from 4 weeks to 6 months follow-up. Other effects were small and non-significant. Conclusions Opioid therapy for CNCP did not worsen cognitive performance and improved it for some domains. People who take opioids for CNCP may evidence deficits in attention and memory, but this is unlikely to translate to global impairment and likely relates to pain more so than opioids.

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Body Temperature Is Associated With Cognitive Performance in Older Adults With and Without Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnagi.2021.585904 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Patrick Eggenberger ◽

Michael Bürgisser ◽

René M. Rossi ◽

Simon Annaheim

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Body Temperature ◽

Skin Temperature ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Core Body Temperature ◽

Single Point ◽

Body Temperatures ◽

Core Body ◽

Temperature Amplitude

Wearable devices for remote and continuous health monitoring in older populations frequently include sensors for body temperature measurements (i.e., skin and core body temperatures). Healthy aging is associated with core body temperatures that are in the lower range of age-related normal values (36.3 ± 0.6°C, oral temperature), while patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exhibit core body temperatures above normal values (up to 0.2°C). However, the relation of body temperature measures with neurocognitive health in older adults remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the association of body temperature with cognitive performance in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Eighty community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) participated, of which 54 participants were cognitively healthy and 26 participants met the criteria for MCI. Skin temperatures at the rib cage and the scapula were measured in the laboratory (single-point measurement) and neuropsychological tests were conducted to assess general cognitive performance, episodic memory, verbal fluency, executive function, and processing speed. In a subgroup (n = 15, nine healthy, six MCI), skin and core body temperatures were measured continuously during 12 h of habitual daily activities (long-term measurement). Spearman’s partial correlation analyses, controlled for age, revealed that lower median body temperature and higher peak-to-peak body temperature amplitude was associated with better general cognitive performance and with better performance in specific domains of cognition; [e.g., rib median skin temperature (single-point) vs. processing speed: rs = 0.33, p = 0.002; rib median skin temperature (long-term) vs. executive function: rs = 0.56, p = 0.023; and peak-to-peak core body temperature amplitude (long-term) vs. episodic memory: rs = 0.51, p = 0.032]. Additionally, cognitively healthy older adults showed lower median body temperature and higher peak-to-peak body temperature amplitude compared to older adults with MCI (e.g., rib median skin temperature, single-point: p = 0.035, r = 0.20). We conclude that both skin and core body temperature measures are potential early biomarkers of cognitive decline and preclinical symptoms of MCI/AD. It may therefore be promising to integrate body temperature measures into multi-parameter systems for the remote and continuous monitoring of neurocognitive health in older adults.

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Enhanced Decision Making and Working Memory During Exercise in the Heat With Crushed Ice Ingestion

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2019-0234 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 503-510 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jacinta M. Saldaris ◽

Grant J. Landers ◽

Brendan S. Lay

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Skin Temperature ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Thermal Sensation ◽

Ratings Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Crushed Ice ◽

Sporting Performance

Purpose: To examine the effects of precooling via crushed ice ingestion on cognitive function during exercise in the heat. Methods: Eleven active men ingested either 7 g·kg−1 of crushed ice (ICE) or thermoneutral water (CON) 30 minutes before running 90 minutes on a treadmill at a velocity equivalent to 65% VO2peak in hot and humid conditions (35.0°C [0.5°C], 53.1% [3.9%] relative humidity). Participants completed 3 cognitive tasks to investigate decision making (8-choice reaction time [CRT]), working memory (serial seven [S7]), and executive control (color multisource interference task [cMSIT]) on arrival, after precooling, and after running. Results: Precooling significantly decreased preexercise core (Tcore) and forehead skin temperature in ICE compared with CON, respectively (Tcore 0.8°C [0.4°C], –0.2°C [0.1°C]; Thead –0.5°C [0.4°C], 0.2°C [0.8°C]; P ≤ .05). Postrun, ICE significantly reduced errors compared with CON for CRT (P ≤ .05; d = 0.90; 90% confidence interval, 0.13–1.60) and S7 (P ≤ .05; d = 1.05; 90% confidence interval, 0.26–1.75). Thermal sensation was lower after precooling with ICE (P ≤ .05), but no significant differences were recorded between conditions for cMSIT errors, skin temperature, heart rate, or ratings of perceived exertion or perceived thirst (P > .05). Conclusions: Precooling via ICE maintained cognitive accuracy in decision making and working memory during exercise in the heat. Thus, ICE may have the potential to improve sporting performance by resisting deleterious effects of exercise in a hot and humid environment on cognitive function.

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Effects of Cooling During Exercise on Thermoregulatory Responses of Men With Paraplegia

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20150266 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 96 (5) ◽

pp. 650-658 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Coen C.W.G. Bongers ◽

Thijs M.H. Eijsvogels ◽

Ilse J.W. van Nes ◽

Maria T.E. Hopman ◽

Dick H.J. Thijssen

Keyword(s):

Body Temperature ◽

Temperature Gradient ◽

Ambient Temperature ◽

Skin Temperature ◽

Thermal Sensation ◽

Core Body Temperature ◽

The Core ◽

Cord Injury ◽

Core Body ◽

Trunk Skin

Background People with spinal cord injury (SCI) have an altered afferent input to the thermoregulatory center, resulting in a reduced efferent response (vasomotor control and sweating capacity) below the level of the lesion. Consequently, core body temperature rises more rapidly during exercise in individuals with SCI compared with people who are able-bodied. Cooling strategies may reduce the thermophysiological strain in SCI. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a cooling vest on the core body temperature response of people with a thoracic SCI during submaximal exercise. Methods Ten men (mean age=44 years, SD=11) with a thoracic lesion (T4–T5 or below) participated in this randomized crossover study. Participants performed two 45-minute exercise bouts at 50% maximal workload (ambient temperature 25°C), with participants randomized to a group wearing a cooling vest or a group wearing no vest (separate days). Core body temperature and skin temperature were continuously measured, and thermal sensation was assessed every 3 minutes. Results Exercise resulted in an increased core body temperature, skin temperature, and thermal sensation, whereas cooling did not affect core body temperature. The cooling vest effectively decreased skin temperature, increased the core-to-trunk skin temperature gradient, and tended to lower thermal sensation compared with the control condition. Limitations The lack of differences in core body temperature among conditions may be a result of the relative moderate ambient temperature in which the exercise was performed. Conclusions Despite effectively lowering skin temperature and increasing the core-to-trunk skin temperature gradient, there was no impact of the cooling vest on the exercise-induced increase in core body temperature in men with low thoracic SCI.

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Head Cooling Prior to Exercise in the Heat Does Not Improve Cognitive Performance

Journal of Sports Science and Medicine ◽

10.52082/jssm.2021.69 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 69-76

Author(s):

Nur Shakila Mazalan ◽

Grant Justin Landers ◽

Karen Elizabeth Wallman ◽

Ullrich Ecker

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Performance ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Cooling Period ◽

Operation Span ◽

Physiological Variables ◽

Head Cooling ◽

Within Subjects ◽

Experimental Trials ◽

Study Participants ◽

Main Effects

This study investigated the effectiveness of head cooling on cognitive performance after 30 min and 60 min of running in the heat. Ten moderately-trained, non-heat-acclimated, male endurance athletes (mean age: 22 ± 6.6 y; height: 1.78 ± 0.10 m; body-mass: 75.7 ± 15.6 kg; VO2peak: 51.6 ± 4.31 mL-1>kg-1>min) volunteered for this study. Participants performed two experimental trials: head cooling versus no-cooling (within-subjects factor with trial order randomized). For each trial, participants wore a head-cooling cap for 15 min with the cap either cooled to 0°C (HC) or not cooled (22°C; CON). Participants then completed 2 × 30 min running efforts on a treadmill at 70% VO2peak in hot conditions (35°C, 70% relative humidity), with a 10 min rest between efforts. Working memory was assessed using an operation span (OSPAN) task immediately prior to the 15 min cooling/no-cooling period (22°C, 35% RH) and again after 30 min and 60 min of running in the heat. Numerous physiological variables, including gastrointestinal core temperature (Tc) were assessed over the protocol. Scores for OSPAN were similar between trials, with no interaction effect or main effects for time and trial found (p = 0.58, p = 0.67, p = 0.54, respectively). Forehead temperature following precooling was lower in HC (32.4 ± 1.6°C) compared with CON (34.5 ± 1.1°C) (p = 0.01), however, no differences were seen in Tc, skin temperature, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion between HC and CON trials at any time point assessed (p > 0.05). In conclusion, despite HC reducing forehead temperature prior to exercise, it did not significantly improve cognitive performance during (half-time break) or after subsequent exercise in hot environmental conditions, compared to a no cooling control.

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Caffeine and Placebo Expectation

Journal of Psychophysiology ◽

10.1027/0269-8803.21.2.91 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 91-99 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Yunfeng Sun ◽

Yinling Zhang ◽

Ning He ◽

Xufeng Liu ◽

Danmin Miao

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Sleep Deprivation ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Cardiovascular Regulation ◽

Double Blind ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Pressure Tests ◽

Healthy Males

Abstract. Caffeine placebo expectation seems to improve vigilance and cognitive performance. This study investigated the effect of caffeine and placebo expectation on vigilance and cognitive performance during 28 h sleep deprivation. Ten healthy males volunteered to take part in the double-blind, cross-over study, which required participants to complete five treatment periods of 28 h separated by 1-week wash-out intervals. The treatments were no substance (Control); caffeine 200 mg at 00:00 (C200); placebo 200 mg at 00:00 (P200); twice caffeine 200 mg at 00:00 and 04:00 (C200-C200); caffeine 200 mg at 00:00 and placebo 200 mg at 04:00 (C200-P200). Participants were told that all capsules were caffeine and given information about the effects of caffeine to increase expectation. Vigilance was assessed by a three-letter cancellation test, cognitive functions by the continuous addition test and Stroop test, and cardiovascular regulation by heart rate and blood pressure. Tests were performed bihourly from 00:00 to 10:00 of the second day. Results indicated that C200-P200 and C200-C200 were more alert (p < .05) than Control and P200. Their cognitive functions were higher (p < .05) than Control and P200. Also, C200-P200 scored higher than C200 in the letter cancellation task (p < .05). No test showed any significant differences between C200-P200 and C200-C200. The results demonstrated that the combination of caffeine 200 mg and placebo 200 mg expectation exerted prolonged positive effects on vigilance and cognitive performance.

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