lowers power output to protect the organism from heat injury
(Nybo, 2010). Lessening the inhibitory signal during exercise in the
heat may enhance, or help to maintain work. Given the inhibitory
signal seems to be accentuated by warm thermoreceptor activation
(Tucker et al., 2006; Schlader et al., 2011a, 2011b), it might be
attenuated by the cold receptor activation that follows chemical or
thermal stimulation. The purpose of this study was to assess
whether donning a garment saturated with menthol and ethanol
(M/E) can improve evaporative cooling and thermal perceptions
versus water (W) or nothing (CON) during low intensity exercise
and rest in warm, humid conditions that may be encountered in a
recreational or occupational setting.
There is a broad literature assessing the effectiveness of various
cooling interventions (ice vests, water immersion) during exercise