The Influence of Topical Menthol Gel on Thermoregulatory and Perceptual Outcomes During Exercise Within the Heat
Advisor Information
Dustin Slivka
Location
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #502 - U
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-3-2022 10:45 AM
End Date
4-3-2022 12:00 PM
Abstract
Purpose.
Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is responsible for the sensation of cool temperatures. When applied topically, menthol acts upon a cold transduction enzyme to decrease the thermal sensitivity of TRPM8. This allows activation of TRPM8 at warmer temperatures. The “cool” menthol feeling is used widely in everyday commercial products, such as analgesic creams; however, there is a physiological response to the perceived external “cooling.” The purpose of this study is to examine the impact on human thermoregulation when a commercial Biofreeze TRPM8-stimulating cream is applied during endurance exercise within heated conditions.
Methods.
Participants will be 19-45 years of age, healthy, and active. The first of three visits will involve allergy tests and anthropometric data collection. The subsequent visits will consist of 30 min of brisk treadmill walking(3.5 mph 5% grade) within a heated condition (33°C, 40%RH). Biofreeze cream will be applied to all areas of available skin (CREM) or no cream (CON) will be applied on randomized visits. Thermoregulatory variables (core body temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, blood flow, and Galvanic skin response) will be collected and recorded continuously throughout the exercise bout via polar monitor, skin surface thermistors, rectal temperature probe, laser Doppler, and GSR device. Perceived exertion and thermal sensation will be recorded throughout the study via the Borg scale and the ASHRAE thermal sensation scale.
Anticipated Results.
In the menthol condition, subjects are expected to perceive cooler temperatures, increase in core body temperature to conserve heat, and have decreased skin blood flow.
Scheduling Link
1
The Influence of Topical Menthol Gel on Thermoregulatory and Perceptual Outcomes During Exercise Within the Heat
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #502 - U
Purpose.
Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is responsible for the sensation of cool temperatures. When applied topically, menthol acts upon a cold transduction enzyme to decrease the thermal sensitivity of TRPM8. This allows activation of TRPM8 at warmer temperatures. The “cool” menthol feeling is used widely in everyday commercial products, such as analgesic creams; however, there is a physiological response to the perceived external “cooling.” The purpose of this study is to examine the impact on human thermoregulation when a commercial Biofreeze TRPM8-stimulating cream is applied during endurance exercise within heated conditions.
Methods.
Participants will be 19-45 years of age, healthy, and active. The first of three visits will involve allergy tests and anthropometric data collection. The subsequent visits will consist of 30 min of brisk treadmill walking(3.5 mph 5% grade) within a heated condition (33°C, 40%RH). Biofreeze cream will be applied to all areas of available skin (CREM) or no cream (CON) will be applied on randomized visits. Thermoregulatory variables (core body temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, blood flow, and Galvanic skin response) will be collected and recorded continuously throughout the exercise bout via polar monitor, skin surface thermistors, rectal temperature probe, laser Doppler, and GSR device. Perceived exertion and thermal sensation will be recorded throughout the study via the Borg scale and the ASHRAE thermal sensation scale.
Anticipated Results.
In the menthol condition, subjects are expected to perceive cooler temperatures, increase in core body temperature to conserve heat, and have decreased skin blood flow.