Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness
Volume 9, Issue 1 , Pages 58-64, 2011

Effects of a Running Bout in the Heat on Cognitive Performance

  • David Jiménez-Pavón

      Affiliations

    • GENUD (Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development) Research Group, E.U. Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Zaragoza, SPAIN
    • Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, SPAIN
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding Author David Jiménez-Pavón, Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Avd. Madrid s/n. CP: 18012, Granada, SPAIN
    • ,
  • Javier Romeo

      Affiliations

    • Immunonutrition Research Group, Department of Metabolism and Nutrition (hasta aquí todo bien), Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, SPAIN
    • ,
  • Mónica Cervantes-Borunda

      Affiliations

    • Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport, University of Chihuahua, MEXICO
    • ,
  • Francisco B. Ortega

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, SPAIN
    • Unit for Preventive Nutrition, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at NOVUM, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, SWEDEN
    • ,
  • Jonatan R. Ruiz

      Affiliations

    • Unit for Preventive Nutrition, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at NOVUM, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, SWEDEN
    • Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, Granada, SPAIN
    • ,
  • Vanesa España-Romero

      Affiliations

    • Unit for Preventive Nutrition, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at NOVUM, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, SWEDEN
    • Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
    • ,
  • Ascensión Marcos

      Affiliations

    • Immunonutrition Research Group, Department of Metabolism and Nutrition (hasta aquí todo bien), Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, SPAIN
    • ,
  • Manuel J. Castillo

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, SPAIN

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a running bout under hot conditions on cognitive performance in physically active men. Sixteen participants ran at 60% of maximum aerobic speed for an average time of 52.4 ± 7.6 minutes under hot environmental conditions (35°C, 60% relative humidity). Changes in body mass, lean mass, hematocrit, plasma volume, serum urea, creatinine, and thirst score were assessed to evaluate the state of hydration immediately before and after exercise. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Vienna Test System battery before and after exercise. The running protocol led to a decreased body mass, lean mass, plasma volume and an increased hematocrit, serum urea, creatinine and thirst score (all p < 0.05), implying that there was significant impairment in the state of hydration. After the running bout, complex and peripheral reaction time consistently improved, whereas visual angle was impaired (all p < 0.05). A running bout in the heat improves the speed of response in complex tasks but impairs the field of vision and leads to a deleterious hydration state.

Keywords:  body mass , exercise , heat , reaction time , visual angles

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PII: S1728-869X(11)60008-7

doi:10.1016/S1728-869X(11)60008-7

Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness
Volume 9, Issue 1 , Pages 58-64, 2011

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