Effects of facial cooling during exercise at high temperature.

Healthy men and women were exercised on a cycle ergometer in a hot environment (46 degrees C). Cold air (5 degrees C) was blown onto the face either as a jet from the tube directed towards the nose or being introduced under a face mask. There was a subjective feeling of increased comfort although the temperature under the mask decreased to only 28 degrees C-32 degrees C. Facial cooling did not cause any changes in either blood pressure or heart rate. It is concluded that this degree of facial cooling does not invoke the previously described peripheral vasconstriction which could inhibit further heat loss.