Dilution method of menthol solutions affects subsequent perceptual thermal responses during passive heat exposure in non‐heat acclimated participants

Abstract or Summary

Due to its volatility, the qualitative experience of menthol may be modulated by its prep‐ aration and combination with other compounds. One such method of preparation is dilution, with two dilution methods existing within the sport and exercise science literature, where menthol is used to impart feelings of oral cooling and improve thermal comfort and sensation during heat ex‐ posure. This study compared these two dilution methods; one using a solvent the other using tem‐ perature, via a randomized counterbalanced repeated measures design (n = 12; Height: 174.0 ± 8.5 cm Mass: 73.4 ± 13.3 kg Age: 28.7 ± 8.4 y; two exposures to each solution) to assess the effect of solution and heat exposure, upon thermal comfort, thermal sensation and associated physiological parameters in non‐heat acclimated participants. Thermal comfort was significantly affected by so‐ lution (p = 0.041; η2 = 0.017) and time (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.228), whereas thermal sensation was signifi‐ cantly affected by time only (p = 0.012; η2 = 0.133), as was tympanic temperature (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.277). Small to moderate clear differences between solutions at matched time points were also ob‐ served. These trends and effects suggest that, depending upon the dilution method employed, the resultant perceptual effects are likely impacted; this also likely depends upon the timing of menthol administration within a heat exposure session.