Argentina's Football Team Trains with Cooling Vests, Expert Explains Technology

Argentina's national football team surprised observers during training sessions by using specialized cooling vests and insulating boots. These unusual garments are designed to help players manage their body temperature during intense physical activity, particularly in potentially extreme weather conditions.

Sports physician Jorge Franchela explained the technology behind the vests to LN+. He described how the vests contain freezable gels that absorb body heat when in contact with the skin. "When the player puts on this vest with small gels, their body heat passes into the colder environment," Franchela stated, likening the vests to "a small refrigerator around the body."

This method of thermoregulation is crucial for athletes, as the human body must maintain a stable internal temperature of around 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, regardless of external climate. The cooling vests facilitate this process, allowing for more efficient heat dissipation and quicker recovery between matches in the World Cup calendar.

Franchela also emphasized the importance of medical supervision when using such cold therapies, comparing them to the ice baths used in other sports. He warned that sudden temperature changes can affect blood pressure and highlighted that these treatments should only be administered under professional observation. "We also have a test in medicine called the cold pressure test, which involves putting hands in ice water to see if the coronary arteries react," he noted, cautioning against intuitive use of such methods.