This study examined the effects of wearing the Q-Collar during high-intensity cycling exercise. Eleven recreationally trained male participants completed two 5-kilometer cycling time trials: one while wearing the Q-Collar and one without the Q-Collar. During and after each trial, researchers measured cardiovascular responses, brain oxygenation, blood lactate, perceived exertion, cognitive performance, and cycling performance. The purpose of the study was to determine whether wearing the Q-Collar affects physiological responses, cognitive function, or performance during high-intensity exercise.
This randomized crossover study examined the effects of Q-Collar use during high-intensity cycling exercise. Recreationally trained male participants completed two laboratory testing sessions in randomized order: a 5-kilometer cycling time trial while wearing the Q-Collar and a 5-kilometer cycling time trial without the Q-Collar. The Q-Collar applies mild bilateral compression to the internal jugular veins and is designed to increase cerebral blood volume. During each trial, cardiovascular responses were assessed continuously, while prefrontal cortex oxygenation was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion were assessed during exercise, and cognitive performance was evaluated before and after each cycling trial. Cycling performance was also recorded. The study was designed to determine whether wearing the Q-Collar alters physiological responses to high-intensity exercise, particularly cardiovascular function and prefrontal cortex oxygenation, and whether these responses are accompanied by changes in cognitive or cycling performance. The crossover design allowed each participant to complete both conditions and therefore serve as his own control.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
11
The Q-Collar™ is a wearable neck device that applies mild bilateral compression to the internal jugular veins. Participants wore the Q-Collar during a 5-kilometer cycling time trial. The device was individually fitted according to manufacturer guidelines and remained in place throughout the exercise trial.
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States
Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation
Changes in prefrontal cortex oxygenated hemoglobin were continuously measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy during 5-kilometer cycling time trials performed with and without the Q-Collar. Data were evaluated across kilometer time points.
Time frame: All throughout each 5-kilometer cycling time trial, approximately 10 minutes
Cycling Time-Trial Performance
Time in seconds required to complete the 5-kilometer cycling time trial was recorded for the Q-Collar and control conditions.
Time frame: At completion of each 5-kilometer cycling time trial, approximately 30 seconds
Choice Reaction Time
Choice reaction time was assessed using a computerized Stroop task. Reaction time and response accuracy were evaluated across the Q-Collar and control conditions.
Time frame: At baseline, 5 minutes into exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 10 minutes post-exercise during each experimental visit, approximately 2 minutes at each time point
Heart Rate
Heart rate was continuously assessed using cardiac impedance and compared across the Q-Collar and control conditions.
Time frame: During each 5-kilometer cycling time trial, approximately 10 minutes
Stroke Volume
Stroke volume was continuously assessed using cardiac impedance and compared across the Q-Collar and control conditions.
Time frame: During each 5-kilometer cycling time trial, approximately 10 minutes
Cardiac Output
Cardiac output was continuously assessed using cardiac impedance and compared across the Q-Collar and control conditions.
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Time frame: During each 5-kilometer cycling time trial, approximately 10 minutes
Blood Lactate
Blood lactate concentration (mmol/L) was measured from an earlobe capillary blood sample immediately following each cycling time trial.
Time frame: Immediately following each 5-kilometer cycling time trial, approximately 1 minute
Rating of Perceived Exertion
Rating of perceived exertion was assessed using the Borg 6-20 scale immediately following each 5-kilometer cycling time trial.
Time frame: Immediately following each 5-kilometer cycling time trial, approximately 30 seconds