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Effects of body morphology and mass on thermal responses to cold water: revisited

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Summary

Seven male volunteers were divided into two groups based on body morphology and mass. The large body mass (LM) group (n = 4) was 21.2 kg heavier and 0.32 m2 · kg −1 smaller in surface area-to-mass ratio (P< 0.05) than the small body mass (SM) group (n = 3) Both groups were similar in total body fat and regional skinfold thicknesses. All subjects were immersed to the first thoracic vertebrae for 120 min in stirred water at 18°C. Overall, tissue insulation was similar (P>0.05) between the SM and LM groups across time. Perceptual ratings of thermal sensation increased (P<0.05) across time. Therefore, as cold water immersion progressed, tissue insulation was similar and thermal sensation increased (P<0.05) in males matched for subcutaneous fat and total fat but differing in body mass and morphology.

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Glickman-Weiss, E.L., Nelson, A.G., Hearon, C.M. et al. Effects of body morphology and mass on thermal responses to cold water: revisited. Europ. J. Appl. Physiol. 66, 299–303 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00237772

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00237772

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