INTRODUCTION In open water swimming (OWS) races take place in lower water temperatures (Tw ), swimmers often drop out due to severe cold sensation and/or hypothermia (Brannigan et al., 2009). Although changes in core and skin temperatures during OWS are assumed to vary across swimmers, it is unclear what influences individual differences in whole-body thermal sensation (TS) among OWS swimmers. The present study examined the relationships between whole-body TS and core temperature (Tcore ) during OWS, and skin cool sensitivity. METHODS Nine elite Japanese swimmers (4 females) performed a 10 km time trial (TT) in the ocean at Tw of 22°C on sunny, warm day (ambient temperature: 25°C). During TT, Tcore was continuously measured by ingestible temperature sensor. Whole-body TS at pre- and post-TT were also measured. On a separate day from the TT, the changes in skin temperature (Tsk ) required to feel cool was measured on the forearm in six swimmers to confirm their skin sensitivity to cool. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Tcore was higher after TT than before TT in 8 of 9 swimmers (37.9 ± 0.8 vs. 37.1 ± 0.7°C, P<0.05), whereas post-TT thermal sensation was varied among swimmers (Figure 1A). A negative correlation was observed between Post-TT thermal sensation and the changes in Tsk required to feel cool (P<0.05, Figure 1B). These results suggest that swimmers with sensitive skin to cool may be more likely perceive greater whole-body cold sensation in OWS, even if their Tcore is increased.
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