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Head, face and neck cooling for performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Conference poster

Head, face and neck cooling for performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Christopher James Stevens, David Borg, Carly Brade, Sarah Carter, Davide Filingeri, Jason Lee, Louisa Lim, Toby Mündel, Lee Taylor and Christopher J. Tyler
ECSS Rimini 2025 (Rimini, Italy, 01/07/2025–04/07/2025)
04/07/2025

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Abstract

Aim: To determine; i) the effect of cooling strategies targeting the head, face and neck on physical and cognitive performance, ii) determine associated physiological and perceptual responses, iii) synthesize adverse events, and iv) provide practical applications. Method: We conducted a systematic review and multi-level meta-analysis, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies that investigated the effect of cooling strategies targeting the head, face, or neck on a physical or cognitive task using a controlled trial design were included. Recommendations: • Cooling the head, face and neck is recommended for athletes, as these strategies can improve physical performance. • Athletes are recommended to experiment with a range of strategies, including different methods, doses and timings, to determine the optimal strategy for their individual context. • Since the mechanism of action is psychophysiological (Figure 3), athletes should focus on strategies that maximize perceptual effects. • Common strategies that have been demonstrated to be beneficial include phase change neck collars, spraying the face with water, and phase-change cooling caps.

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