Effects of the Q-Collar During High-Intensity Cycling Exercise

This randomized crossover study examined the effects of Q‐Collar use duringhigh‐intensity cycling exercise. Recreationally trained male participants completed twolaboratory testing sessions in randomized order: a 5‐kilometer cycling time trial whilewearing the Q‐Collar and a 5‐kilometer cycling time trial without the Q‐Collar. TheQ‐Collar applies mild bilateral compression to the internal jugular veins and is designedto increase cerebral blood volume.During each trial, cardiovascular responses were assessed continuously, while prefrontalcortex oxygenation was measured using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy. Bloodlactate and ratings of perceived exertion were assessed during exercise, and cognitiveperformance was evaluated before and after each cycling trial. Cycling performance wasalso recorded.The study was designed to determine whether wearing the Q‐Collar alters physiologicalresponses to high‐intensity exercise, particularly cardiovascular function and prefrontalcortex oxygenation, and whether these responses are accompanied by changes in cognitiveor cycling performance. The crossover design allowed each participant to complete bothconditions and therefore serve as his own control.