Heat Acclimation and Innovative Cooling Systems: Optimizing Athletic Performance and Reducing Heat-Induced Performance Impairments in Hot Environments Under Climate Change Conditions

This project investigates the effectiveness of pre-exercise active cooling using a temperature-controlled cooling vest in reducing heat-related physiological strain during endurance-type aerobic exercise in non-regularly trained ("weekend") athletes under hot and humid environmental conditions. Because these individuals often lack sufficient heat-acclimation training, they are at increased risk of excessive thermal stress, cardiovascular overload, and heat-related disorders during prolonged exercise.

Using a controlled laboratory design, participants will perform moderate-intensity endurance exercise in a simulated hot environment, with or without pre-cooling intervention. Peripheral circulation and thermoregulatory responses will be assessed through laser Doppler flowmetry based skin blood-flow analysis and infrared thermography, alongside heart rate and perceived exertion measures.

The study aims to clarify how active pre-cooling influences vascular regulation, sympathetic activity, skin temperature distribution, and exercise tolerance, and to evaluate its potential as a practical, non-fatiguing alternative to heat-acclimation training. The findings are expected to provide evidence-based guidance for reducing heat strain and improving exercise safety and comfort in recreational endurance athletes exercising in hot climates.