Biomarkers of Cold Strain and Physical Performance Decrements during Submaximal Exercise in Cold Environments with Brief Rewarming

Abstract

Background: Cold exposure impairs physical performance, with the severity of degradation depending on the degree of cold strain. Thresholds for impairment and noninvasive biomarkers to identify changes have yet to be identified. Therefore, this study examines the effects of cold exposure on physical performance, thermoregulation, salivary biomarkers, and the effects of a short period of rewarming.

Methods: Fourteen recreationally active participants (3F, 11 M), 18-44 yr old, completed a randomized, crossover study involving three experimental conditions: 20°C, 10°C, and 0°C. For each condition, participants completed four 20-min treadmill walks with physical performance tests and a 10-min rewarming period followed by another physical performance test in the respective condition. Physical performance was assessed via the Complete Minnesota Dexterity Test (CMDT), dominant and nondominant handgrip strength (HGS) between the walks and after rewarming. Thermal discomfort, thermal sensation, body core temperature (T c ), skin temperature (T sk ), and salivary biomarkers (alpha-amylase, cortisol) were measured throughout the study.

Results: Exposure to 0°C caused reductions in skin temperatures, with peak reductions in the forearm (-10.51°C ± 0.57°C, P < 0.001) and fourth finger skin temperatures (-11.60°C ± 0.80°C, P < 0.001). Declines were also found at 10°C, with peak reductions in forearm (-6.69°C ± 0.56°C, P < 0.001) and fourth finger skin temperatures (-8.56°C ± 0.81°C, P < 0.001), whereas no changes occurred at 20°C. Thermal discomfort and thermal sensation were lowest at 0°C. Dexterity and HGS significantly declined during 0°C and 10°C exposures, with reductions most severe at 0°C, and no declines at 20°C. Salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol were not different across environmental conditions or time. Rewarming for 10 min at 22°C improved HGS, CMDT, and thermal discomfort by 30-50%.

Conclusions: Cold exposure at 0°C and 10°C impairs performance and a 10-min period of rewarming at 23°C partially restored performance. Potential salivary biomarkers were not strong predictors of impaired performance.

Keywords: COLD INJURY; COLD STRESS; EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS; MANUAL FUNCTION; PHYSIOLOGIC MONITORING; THERMOREGULATION.