Skin temperature dynamics during an incremental maximal test in elite male cyclists

Monitoring dynamics skin temperature during a prolonged physical exercise is central to assess the athletes’ ability to dissipate heat from the skin surface to the environment. In the present study, seven elite cyclists were instructed to complete an incremental maximal cycling test to evaluate their skin temperature response under controlled-environment conditions. Data from thermal images revealed a clear and progressive reduction in skin temperature showing a notable ability by highly-trained cyclists to dissipate heat from the skin surface during an incremental muscular effort.