Palm Cooling is a type of recovery intervention that involves cooling the palm of the hand
[1] during rest periods between bouts of strenuous
physical activity. The palm cooling modality can be used to moderate increases in
core temperature[1][2] resulting from the level of physical activity, the wearing of
protective clothing or a combination of both, for example in the activities of
military personnel or
firefighters.
Sporting activities, for example at half time in a game of
football, where recovery time is limited, is another example where the level of physical activity combined with high ambient temperature can lead to raised core temperature. In these circumstances palm cooling can be used as it is important that the cooling intervention does not chill major muscle groups, which need to be kept warm to optimize performance
[3][4] and lower the risk of
injury, when the physical activity is resumed.
There is some evidence of palm cooling during rest periods delaying the onset of
fatigue,
[5] which is a major precursor of injury
[6] and an inhibitor of performance. Palm cooling is also used for strength & conditioning,
[5][7][8] for example between sets in a weight training programme or where obese subjects are taking part in a weight loss
[9] exercise programme.