Cold water immersion of the hand and forearm during half-time improves intermittent exercise performance in the heat.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cold water immersion of the hand and forearm during half-time (HT) on intermittent exercise performance and thermoregulation by imitating intermittent athletic games in the heat. In a randomized crossover design, 11 physically active men performed the first half (first and second block) and second half (third and fourth block) intermittent cycling exercise protocol, which consisted of a 5-s maximal power pedalling (body weight × 0.075 kp) every minute separated by 25-s of unloaded pedalling and rest (30 s) in the heat (33°C, 50% relative humidity).