At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison RecordStandardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
The Influence of Topical Menthol Gel on Thermoregulatory and Perceptual Outcomes During Exercise Within the Heat
In Brief
A Phase 4 clinical trial evaluating Menthol Gel and Control Gel for Acute Exercise and Heat Exposure. Completed, enrolled 12 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The purpose of this study is to examine the human thermoregulatory impact of applying a commercially available menthol gel (BioFreeze) to the skin prior to moderate intensity walking under heated conditions. Experimental Visits will consist of 30 min of treadmill walking at a moderate pace (3.5 mph, 5% grade) under hot conditions (38°C, 60%RH) and will be randomized and counterbalanced for BioFreeze or a hypoallergenic gel (control) application. Gels will be applied to areas commonly exposed during outdoor activity in warm conditions (shoulder to wrist, mid thigh to ankle). Accordingly, participants will wear shorts and a tank top shirt during exercise. Core temperature, skin temperature, galvanic skin response, laser doppler blood flow, and heart rate will be continuously recorded throughout the exercise bout via an integrated analog to digital converter. Sweat will be collected during exercise using commercially available absorbent patches. Thermal sensation will be assessed throughout exercise via the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) thermal sensation likert scale (cold to hot). Lastly, nude body weight will be recorded pre and post exercise for sweat rate determination. The BioFreeze and control trials will be separated by a 7-14 day washout period.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
5% menthol gel applied from shoulder to wrist and mid thigh to ankle, 30 minute treadmill walk (3.5 mph at 5% grade at 38°C, 60% relative humidity)
Hypoallergenic gel applied from shoulder to wrist and mid thigh to ankle, 30 minute treadmill walk (3.5 mph at 5% grade at 38°C, 60% relative humidity)