Effect of temperature on muscle metabolism during submaximal exercise in humans

Abstract

To study the effect of temperature on muscle metabolism during submaximal exercise, six endurance-trained men had one thigh warmed and the other cooled for 40 min prior to exercise using water-perfused cuffs. One cuff was perfused with water at 50-55°C (HL) with the other being perfused with water at 0°C (CL). With the cuffs still in position, subjects performed cycling exercise for 20 min at a work load corresponding to 70% V̇(O2,peak) (where V̇(O2,peak) is peak pulmonary oxygen uptake) in comfortable ambient conditions (20-22°C). Muscle biopsies were obtained prior to and following exercise and forearm venous blood was collected prior to and throughout the exercise period. Muscle temperatu..