THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF COLD AND EXERCISE ON THE TRICEPS SURAE REFLEX,
Abstract
The one-half relaxation time (1/2 RT) for the triceps surae reflex was studied in four subjects after five-minute runs at 134 m/min (5 mi/hr) on a treadmill set at 10% grade. This exercise decreased 1/2 RT to 90% of normal. Cooling by immersion to the neck for 60 min in a stirred 30C bath enhanced the exercise effect on 1/2 RT (decreased it to 87%) whereas cooling alone lengthens the relaxation phase. Eight highly-fit athletes (U. S. Biathlon Team) who exercised at the higher level of 5 min at 188 m/min (7 mi/hr) and 8.6% grade, showed a greater effect on 1/2 RT: a decrease to 83% of the pre-exercise value. The shortening of relaxation time by exercise appears to be a warm-up phenomenon related to local metabolic changes in muscle which, paradoxically, are enhanced by whole-body cooling. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0655069
Entities
People
- Charles J. Eagan
- Jack H. Petajan