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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-11-2021 | Original Article

Heat acclimation enhances the cold-induced vasodilation response

Authors: Urša Ciuha, Alexandros Sotiridis, Tinkara Mlinar, Joshua T. Royal, Ola Eiken, Igor B. Mekjavic

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 11/2021

Abstract

Purpose

It has been reported that the cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) response can be trained using either regular local cold stimulation or exercise training. The present study investigated whether repeated exposure to environmental stressors, known to improve aerobic performance (heat and/or hypoxia), could also provide benefit to the CIVD response.

Methods

Forty male participants undertook three 10-day acclimation protocols including daily exercise training: heat acclimation (HeA; daily exercise training at an ambient temperature, T_a = 35 °C), combined heat and hypoxic acclimation (HeA/HypA; daily exercise training at T_a = 35 °C, while confined to a simulated altitude of ~ 4000 m) and exercise training in normoxic thermoneutral conditions (NorEx; no environmental stressors). To observe potential effects of the local acclimation on the CIVD response, participants additionally immersed their hand in warm water (35 °C) daily during the HeA/HypA and NorEx. Before and after the acclimation protocols, participants completed hand immersions in cold water (8 °C) for 30 min, followed by 15-min recovery phases. The temperature was measured in each finger.

Results

Following the HeA protocol, the average temperature of all five fingers was higher during immersion (from 13.9 ± 2.4 to 15.5 ± 2.5 °C; p = 0.04) and recovery (from 22.2 ± 4.0 to 25.9 ± 4.9 °C; p = 0.02). The HeA/HypA and NorEx protocols did not enhance the CIVD response.

Conclusion

Whole-body heat acclimation increased the finger vasodilatory response during cold-water immersion, and enhanced the rewarming rate of the hand, thus potentially contributing to improved local cold tolerance. Daily hand immersion in warm water for 10 days during HeA/Hyp and NorEx, did not contribute to any changes in the CIVD response.

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Title: Heat acclimation enhances the cold-induced vasodilation response
Authors: Urša Ciuha
Alexandros Sotiridis
Tinkara Mlinar
Joshua T. Royal
Ola Eiken
Igor B. Mekjavic
Publication date: 01-11-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 11/2021
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04761-x

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Springer Medicine

Heat acclimation enhances the cold-induced vasodilation response

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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