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Heat acclimatization does not improve VO 2max or cycling performance in a cool climate in trained cyclists
Author(s) -
Karlsen A.,
Racinais S.,
Jensen M. V.,
Nørgaard S. J.,
Bonne T.,
Nybo L.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.12409
Subject(s) - acclimatization , time trial , cycling , zoology , medicine , vo2 max , running economy , aerobic capacity , athletes , performance enhancement , aerobic exercise , environmental science , physical therapy , biology , heart rate , physical medicine and rehabilitation , ecology , history , archaeology , blood pressure
This study investigated if well‐trained cyclists improveV ˙ O 2 m a xand performance in cool conditions following heat acclimatization through natural outdoor training in hot conditions. Eighteen trained male cyclists were tested for physiological adaptations,V ˙ O 2 m a x, peak aerobic power output, exercise efficiency, and outdoor time trial ( TT ) performance (43.4 km in cool environment, ∼5–13 °C) before and after 2 weeks of training in a cool ( CON , n = 9) or hot (∼35 °C, HA , n = 9) environment. After heat acclimatization, TT performance in the heat was improved by 16%; however, there was no change in the HA group inV ˙ O 2 m a x(4.79 ± 0.21 L/min vs 4.82 ± 0.35 L/min), peak aerobic power output (417 ± 16 W vs 422 ± 17 W), and outdoor TT performance in cool conditions (300 ± 14 W/69 ± 3 min vs 302 ± 9 W/69 ± 4 min). The present study shows that 2 weeks of heat acclimatization was associated with marked improvements in TT performance in the heat. However, for the well‐trained endurance athletes, this did not transfer to an improved aerobic exercise capacity or outdoor TT performance in cool conditions.