Single Effort in Air Temperature of Minus 10°C

Exercise in the cold is an attractive option for many athletes. Erythrocyte aggregation, as one of the main rheological parameters, constitutes an important indicator of microcirculation and oxygen transport capacity in the human body; therefore, its changes in response to exercise and cold are of clinical and physiological relevance. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of a single physical effort at low temperature (-10°C) in a thermal climate chamber on the red blood cell system, erythrocyte aggregation, lactate, cortisol, and testosterone in healthy males. Methods: The study was experimental in nature and assumed a comparison of the body response to exercise performed at reduced (-10°C) and neutral (18°C) temperatures. It involved 30 healthy males, students of physiotherapy at the University of Physical Culture in Krakow, Poland. The enrolled individuals were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 15) ran in a thermal climate chamber at an air temperature of -10°C, group 2 (n = 15) ran in the fresh air at a neutral air temperature of 18°C.