Road cycling is a sport characterized by long, high-intensity training sessions. Cyclists train and compete in varying temperatures, which can affect their performance. Therefore, thermoregulation is a fundamental capacity in endurance sports such as cycling. Far-infrared (FIR) emitting fibers have recently been used in garments during and after exercise to modulate thermoregulation and enhance muscle recovery. Every competitive cyclist voluntarily underwent testing at a temperature-controlled laboratory after reading and signing the informed consent document. Participants were invited to three separate sessions at the laboratory. During the first session, essential personal information (name, surname, sex, age, height and weight) was recorded. In addition, an incremental test was performed on a cycle ergometer to measure VO2Max and ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1). Subsequently, they were randomly divided into two conditions: an experimental garment (EG) with FIR and a control garment (CG). Each test session consisted of 40 minutes at VT1, followed by a 5-second sprint at the end. During the test, various physiological parameters were assessed: Oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate, body temperature (skin and core temperature), and sensations of exertion and sweating.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
9
University of Urbino
Urbino, The Marches, Italy
Body Temperature: Skin and Core
During the constant-power test at VT1 intensity, skin and core temperature were continuously recorded using Calera Research (greenTEG A.G., Rümlang, Switzerland) connected to a personal computer with dedicated software. The system is a heat-flux sensor and research device that eliminates outside environmental influences when monitoring core body temperature, and therefore delivers accurate results independent of the user's physical activity level or external conditions. The device provides access to high-resolution (1Hz) raw data including Core Temperature, Skin Temperature, Accelerometer, and Heat-Flux.
Time frame: From warm-up to the end of treatment at 1 hour
Heart Rate
During the constant-power test at VT1 intensity, heart rate (HR) was continuously measured using a Polar H10 chest strap sensor, a device known for its measurement accuracy. The sensor was connected to the cycle ergometer software to analyze heart rate in relation to the cyclist's power output.
Time frame: From warm-up to the end of treatment at 1 hour
Oxygen Consumption
During the constant-power test at VT1 intensity, oxygen consumption (VO₂) was measured using a metabolimeter (K5 Cosmed, Italy). Breath-by-breath analysis of exhaled gases was performed.
Time frame: From warm-up to the end of treatment at 1 hour
Sprint Peak Power
5-second sprints were performed at the end of the 40-minute steady-state test. To measure power output, an SRM Ergometer was used, which is capable of measuring and setting a specific power level. The system is able to maintain a specific power level by adjusting the flywheel resistance and the cyclist's cadence.
Time frame: After the end of treatment at 1 hour
Rate of Perceived Exertion
The modified Borg 6-20 scale for assessing perceived exertion (RPE) was used during the 40-minute constant-load exercise test at VT1. Measurements were taken continuously at 5-minute intervals throughout the test.
Time frame: From warm-up to the end of treatment at 1 hour
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