Knowledge Base

This groundbreaking study demonstrated that palm cooling significantly enhances aerobic endurance in hot environments. Participants walked on a treadmill at 40°C until exhaustion, with palm cooling applied via a vacuum-enhanced device. Results showed that palm cooling slowed core temperature rise (2.1 vs 2.9°C/hour) and dramatically increased time to exhaustion. The cooling targeted arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) in the palm, proving to be highly effective heat exchangers for thermal regulation.

This comprehensive study evaluated palm cooling's impact on resistance training over 6-8 weeks. Participants performed exercises like bench press and pull-ups with cooling applied during rest intervals. The cooling group showed higher repetition counts, increased work volume, and significantly greater strength gains. Core temperatures remained lower during workouts, reducing thermal fatigue and enabling superior long-term adaptations, particularly in untrained individuals.

Sixteen resistance-trained men performed bench press at 85% 1RM under three conditions: palm cooling (10°C), palm heating (45°C), and control. Palm cooling dramatically increased total lifted volume (2,480 kg vs 1,972 kg control) and total repetitions. The study measured core temperature, perceived exertion, and EMG fatigue markers, showing that cooling delayed neuromuscular fatigue and reduced perceived effort through thermal relief and preserved muscle recruitment patterns.

This study confirmed that palm cooling benefits extend to resistance-trained women. Twelve female athletes completed bench press exercises at 85% 1RM under three thermal conditions. Palm cooling increased both repetitions and total load lifted compared to control conditions. Interestingly, palm heating also produced modest improvements, though less than cooling. The research validated that temperature manipulation via the palm is equally effective in female athletes.

Eight trained male triathletes cycled at ~60% VO₂peak for one hour in 32°C heat with and without palm cooling. The vacuum-enhanced device significantly reduced core temperature rise, oxygen consumption (VO₂), and blood lactate accumulation. In a separate 30km time trial, participants completed the distance faster with palm cooling, demonstrating both physiological and performance advantages in hot conditions while reducing metabolic strain.

This study examined palm cooling in military-relevant conditions: simulated armored-vehicle transport in 42°C heat while wearing chemical protective gear. Ten participants exercised until core temperature reached 38.8°C, then rested with or without palm cooling. The lightweight, deployable device significantly reduced core and skin temperatures during rest, improved subjective comfort, and preserved exercise capacity longer, proving practical for field use by soldiers and emergency personnel.