Abstract
PURPOSE: Fatigue can impair single-session performance, thereby limiting long-term adaptations in resistance training. Palmar cooling (PC) may improve thermoregulation by targeting arteriovenous anastomoses in the hands, potentially delaying fatigue and increasing work capacity. This study aims to assess whether PC during rest intervals can delay the onset of fatigue and improve work capacity during upper-body resistance training.
METHODS: Three male NCAA Division I throwers (age 21.3 ± 1.2 yrs; BMI 32.1 ± 0.017) participated in this randomized crossover pilot study. Participants completed two experimental sessions following an initial 10RM test for the seated barbell overhead press. Participants performed four sets to failure at 85% of estimated 1RM with 2.5 minutes rest between sets. The ThermCube (Therabody Inc., Los Angeles) was applied to the palms under two conditions: cooling (10°C) and control (no cooling). Sessions were separated by 7 days. Total work volume (TWV) was calculated as the load x repetitions x sets. Secondary measures included bar velocity (Vitruve VBT Encoder, Madrid), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and pre-/post-session grip strength (VALD Dynamo, Australia).
RESULTS: Across participants, PC led to higher TWV (4,093 ± 300 lbs) compared to control (3,317 ± 423 lbs), reflecting an average increase of 776 lbs (+23%). Additionally, fatigue was reduced in the cooling condition, indicated by a smaller drop in grip strength during cooling (48.7 ± 28.6 N) compared to control 78.2 ± 45.5). Mean RPE values at set 4 were also lower with cooling (8.8 ± 0.5 vs 9.3 ± 0.6). Lastly, mean bar velocity in the final set was faster in the cooling condition (0.33 ± m/s) as compared to control (0.29 ± m/s).
CONCLUSION: Preliminary data suggest that PC may enhance resistance training performance by increasing total work volume and mitigating fatigue, as evidenced by preserved grip strength and lower RPE values. These results support prior findings that thermoregulation via the hands can elicit ergogenic effects independent of local muscle cooling, potentially through central mechanisms involving thermal sensory input and altered effort perception. Palmar cooling may serve as a simple, noninvasive strategy to improve training quality in upper-body resistance exercise.
Recommended Citation
Heydon, Jake J.; McLagan, Bailey; and Schroeder, E Todd
(2025)
"Preliminary Findings: Evaluating the Effects of Palmar Cooling on Upper Body Resistance Training Performance,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14:
Iss.
5, Article 80.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss5/80
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons