Fat utilization enhance by exercise in a cold environment

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Abstract
To study substrate utilization during cold temperature exercise, seven men dressed in shorts, Tshirts, and light gloves performed 60 min of continuous cycle ergometer exercise at -10°C and 22°C. The workload at both temperatures represented 66% of the cycle-measured maximal heart rate. Oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were measured at rest and during 60 min of exercise. Rates of total and fat energy utilization (kJ.min-1)during exercise were calculated from VO2 and RER. A two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that at rest oxygen consumption averaged 56% higher and RER 5% lower at — 10°C. During exercise, oxygen consumption averaged 10% higher (P1 P<0.05) were significantly higher at -10°C than at 22°C. In addition, the rate of fat use increased significantly in both groups after 30 min of exercise. The cumulative total energy expenditure for 60 min of exercise was 13% higher (2379 ± 308 vs 2110 ± 415 kJ; P<0.O5 and the cumulative fat expenditure was 35% higher (979 ± 209 vs 724 ± 184 kJ; P<0.05) in the cold environment. These results indicate that a cold environment can significantly enhance fat utilization during endurance exercise.