BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of T-Shirt fabric and color on the 10 km outdoor running performance. METHODS: Six men and six women (mean±SD: age: 27±5 years; height: 1.70±0.13 m; weight: 64.0±12.7 kg; body surface area: 1.73±0.29 m2; Sskinfolds: 107±24 mm; VO2max: 40.2±8.4 mL/kg.min) took part in five experimental trials, during each of which they wore: 1) no T-shirt (CON); 2) white polyester T-shirt (WP); 3) black polyester T-shirt (BP); 4) white cotton T-shirt (WC); and 5) black cotton T-shirt (BC). Average running velocity (pace) was calculated from each 2 km running time. Rectal, skin and T-shirt temperatures, heart rates and Physiological Strain Index (PSI) were measured before and after the 10 km runs and at the end of each 2 km. RESULTS: There were no differences in pace, heart rate, rectal and skin temperatures among conditions (P>0.05). PSI was higher in BC and WC conditions when compared to BP and WP conditions. T-shirt temperature was higher for the BC when compared to WP, BP and WC conditions. Rectal temperature and heart rate increased simultaneously with reduced pace throughout self-paced running (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite fabric type T-shirt altered PSI, running performance in the 10 km run was not affected by T-shirt type or color.
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