Integrative physiological and behavioural responses to sudden cold-water immersion are similar in skilled and less-skilled swimmers

Authors

Chris Button
James L. Croft, Edith Cowan University
James D. Cotter
Matthew J. Graham
Samuel J.E. Lucas

Document Type

Journal Article

Publisher

Elsevier

Faculty

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School

School of Exercise and Health Sciences

RAS ID

19170

Comments

Button, C., Croft, J. L., Cotter, J. D., Graham, M. J., & Lucas, S. J. (2015). Integrative physiological and behavioural responses to sudden cold-water immersion are similar in skilled and less-skilled swimmers. Physiology & behavior, 138, 254-259. Available here

Abstract

We examined the initial physiological responses and subsequent capacity to swim following cold-water immersion. An ecologically-valid model was used whereby immersion was sudden (< 2 s) and participants had to actively remain afloat. Participants (15 skilled swimmers, 17 less-skilled swimmers) undertook four experimental test sessions: a physiological test and a swimming test in both cold (10 °C) water and temperate (27 °C) water in a swimming flume (temperature order counter-balanced). For physiological testing, measures of brain perfusion [flow velocity (MCAv, Doppler) and oxygenation (NIRS)] and cardiorespiratory function [ventilation parameters and end-tidal PCO₂ (P_ETCO₂)] were recorded whilst treading water for 150 s. The swimming test involved treading water (150 s) before swimming at 60% (up to 120 s) and 90% (to intolerance) of pre-determined maximum velocity. Multifactorial analysis revealed that swimming duration was influenced most heavily by water temperature, followed by respiratory variables and MCAv in the first 30 s of immersion. The time course and severity of cold shock were similar in both groups (p = 0.99), in terms of initial physiological changes (MCAv down ~ 20 ± 11%, respiratory frequency increased to 58 ± 18 breaths·min^{− 1}, P_ETCO₂ dropped to 12 ± 9 mm Hg). Treading water following cold-water immersion increased MCAv by 30% above resting values despite maintained cold-shock-induced hyperventilation. In comparison to temperate water, swimming capacity was also reduced similarly between groups in the cold (i.e., distance decreased by 34 ± 26% skilled; 41 ± 33% less-skilled, p = 0.99). These integrative findings verify that sudden cold-water immersion followed by physical activity leads to similar physiological responses in humans when contrasting between skilled and less-skilled swimmers.

DOI

10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.10.024

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