The science behind palmar cooling

March 10, 2023

Palmar cooling is a technique that has long been used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to improve their performance and endurance during physical activity. However, the science behind this technique is not well understood by many people. In this blog post, we will explore the research done by Craig Heller on the science of palmar cooling, including the role of glabrous skin, ATP, and Pyruvate kinase in muscle function.

Glabrous skin refers to the hairless skin found on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This type of skin is unique in that it contains a much higher density of sweat glands than other areas of the body, which allows for greater cooling capacity. When the body begins to overheat during physical activity, these sweat glands activate and begin to produce sweat, which cools the body by evaporating off the skin's surface.

However, simply sweating is not enough to prevent overheating in intense physical activity. This is where palmar cooling comes in. By cooling the glabrous skin on the palms of the hands, athletes can increase their body's cooling capacity, allowing them to perform at a higher level for longer periods without overheating.

One of the keys to palmar cooling is the role of the enzyme pyruvate kinase. This enzyme helps to produce ATP, the primary energy source for muscles during physical activity. When the body overheats, the activity of pyruvate kinase slows down, reducing the availability of ATP and thus reducing muscle performance.

However, by using palmar cooling, athletes can keep their pyruvate kinase activity high, ensuring that their muscles have a steady supply of ATP to perform at their best. This is because the cooling action of palmar cooling helps to maintain the ideal temperature range for pyruvate kinase activity, allowing it to function optimally.

In addition to the role of pyruvate kinase, palmar cooling also helps to improve muscle function by reducing muscle fatigue. When muscles work hard, they produce lactic acid, which can build up and cause fatigue and cramping. However, by cooling the glabrous skin on the palms of the hands, athletes can slow down the production of lactic acid, reducing muscle fatigue and enabling them to perform at their best for longer periods without feeling tired or sore.

Overall, palmar cooling is a technique that can greatly benefit athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to improve their performance and endurance during physical activity. By cooling the glabrous skin on the palms of the hands, athletes can maintain optimal levels of pyruvate kinase activity, reduce muscle fatigue, and increase their body's cooling capacity, allowing them to perform at a higher level for longer periods. While there is still much research to be done on the science of palmar cooling, the findings of Craig Heller's research offer valuable insights into the mechanisms behind this powerful technique.

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