The effect of minimal differences in the skin-to-air vapor pressure gradient at various dry-bulb temperatures on self-paced exercise performance

Abstract

This is the first study to investigate the effects of dry-bulb temperature (13, 20, 28, and 36°C) on self-paced exercise performance by minimizing differences in the skin-to-air vapor pressure gradient (i.e., evaporative potential) between conditions. Performance was similar in 13°C and 20°C with a matched evaporative potential, whereas it was reduced at 28°C and further impaired at 36°C in association with a large decrease in dry heat loss and moderate reduction in evaporative potential.