Dr. Felipe Gorini Pereira  | SJSU Department of Kinesiology

Presenting: "Menthol-Induced Thermogenesis and Thermal Resiliency During Cold-Water SCUBA Diving "

MLML Seminar | October 22nd, 2026 at 12pm (PST)

Watch the Live Stream here

 

Menthol-Induced Thermogenesis and Thermal Resiliency During Cold-Water SCUBA Diving

Prolonged cold-water exposure can impair the cognition and dexterity in which underwater explorers rely on to navigate, handle instruments, and make safe decisions. External thermal protection reduces heat loss to the environment but can restrict movement and does not fully prevent the burden evoked by cold waters. The proposed project will test a novel intervention from the laboratory into the cold waters of the Pacific: topical menthol. Although menthol induces cold sensations when applied to the skin, evidence suggests it may also stimulate heat production. Whether that response persists during an actual cold-water dive is unknown. The proposed study will determine whether menthol slows the decline in core temperature and whether perceived cold corresponds with measured physiological strain. The
results from this project will provide field evidence whether this simple intervention can complement conventional thermal protection, thus supporting safer cold-water research, work, and exploration.

Associate professor at San Jose State University, Applied Exercise Physiology  

Dr. Gorini Pereira earned his Ph.D. in Human Performance at Indiana University, as well as his M.S. in Kinesiology and B.S. in Health Sciences from California Baptist University. Dr. Gorini Pereira is currently an Assistant Professor of Applied Exercise Physiology in the Department of Kinesiology at San José State University. His research interests are aimed at utilizing integrative physiology to better understand how extreme environments, such as prolonged cold and heat exposure, impact the safety and performance of healthy and at-risk populations.