Physiological Responses to Swimming Repetitive “Ice Miles”

Knechtle, B, Stjepanovic, M, C, Rosemann, T, Sousa, CV, and Nikolaidis, PT. Physiological responses to swimming repetitive “Ice Miles.” J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 487–494, 2021—“Ice Mile” (i.e., 1,608 m in water of below 5° C) is becoming increasingly popular. Since the foundation International Ice Swimming Association (IISA) 2009, official races are held as World Cup Races Championships. was a demonstration sport at 2014 Winter Olympics Sochi, Russia. This case study aimed identify core body temperature selected hematological biochemical parameters before after repeated An experienced ice swimmer completed 6 consecutive Miles within 2 days. Three adhered strict criteria for definition Miles, whereas other 3 were very close 5.2, 6.1, 6.6° limit. times, changes temperatures, urinary recorded. The athlete showed each Mile metabolic acidosis an increase lactate TCO2; decrease base excess HCO3−) blood glucose, cortisol, creatine kinase concentration. pH correlated significantly negatively with cortisol level, indicating that this intense exercise causes stress. change between start finish associated acidosis. suggests skeletal muscle damages due shivering Mile. For athletes coaches, cold during leads acidosis, which tries compensate respiratory response. Considering increasing popularity swimming, findings have practical value swimmers practitioners (e.g., physiologists, physicians) working them because our results provide detailed description acute physiological conditions. These importance coaches National Championships following IISA rules.