Effect of providing cooling techniques (pre-cooling & per-cooling) on cognitive function

The implementation of cooling techniques plays a crucial role in minimizing exercise-induced hyperthermia, thereby enhancing performance and preserving cognitive function during training. However, studies on the effect of cooling techniques on cognitive function have yielded mixed results due to inconsistent methodologies, unclear implementation guidelines, variations in cooling protocols, types of exercise, different environmental temperature, and variations in subject fitness levels. Therefore, this study compared the effectiveness of different cooling techniques in improving cognitive function during high-intensity exercise. Eleven young, healthy adult men, aged 18 to 28 years, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m², normal blood pressure, and a resting heart rate (RHR) between 60 and 100 bpm, were recruited for this study. This research employed a crossover design. The subjects received three types of interventions in a random order: 1) pre-cooling using an ice vest for 30 minutes before training; 2) pre-cooling by consuming an ice slushy at a dosage of 7 g/kg of body weight over 30 minutes; and 3) a combination of both methods. The washout period between interventions was 72 hours. The results indicate a significant decrease in cognitive performance in the pre-cooling and per-cooling groups, with p-values of <0.001 (pre-cooling) and 0.014 (per-cooling). In contrast, cognitive performance in the group receiving the combination of the two methods was maintained (p = 0.641). The combination of pre-cooling with an ice vest and per-cooling with an ice slushy can help maintain cognitive function after high-intensity exercise compared to using either method alone.