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Development of an Active Heat Dissipation Device Based on Thermoelectric Cooling Technology: Aiming to Improve Endurance Sports Performance
Sponsor: Kaohsiung Medical University
Summary
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.
Official title: Heat Acclimation and Innovative Cooling Systems: Optimizing Athletic Performance and Reducing Heat-Induced Performance Impairments in Hot Environments Under Climate Change Conditions
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - 50 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-02-01
Completion Date
2027-05
Last Updated
2026-04-20
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
TEC Vest
Intervention 1: Active Pre-Cooling Vest Type: Device (active cooling garment) Timing: 30 minutes before exercise (pre-cooling period) Procedure: Participants wear the temperature-controlled vest in a hot/humid lab setting before the endurance aerobic exercise test. Purpose: Reduce thermal strain and cardiovascular load; improve comfort; modulate peripheral circulation responses.
No Pre-Cooling (Without Vest)
Intervention 2: No Pre-Cooling Without Vest Type: No intervention / usual condition Timing: 30 min Duration Procedure: Participants rest quietly for the same pre-exercise duration without wearing a cooling vest, then complete the identical warm-up and exercise protocol.
Water Cooled Vest
Type: Device (active cooling garment) Timing: 30 minutes before exercise (pre-cooling period) Procedure: Participants wear the water cooled vest in a hot/humid lab setting before the endurance aerobic exercise test. Purpose: Reduce thermal strain and cardiovascular load; improve comfort; modulate peripheral circulation responses.
Locations (1)
Cooling Vest
Kaohsiung City, Sanmin, Taiwan