Physiological and perceptual effects of a cooling garment during simulated industrial work in the heat

Cory L Butts; Cody R Smith; Matthew S Ganio; Brendon P McDermott

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2016.10.001

Physiological and perceptual effects of a cooling garment during simulated industrial work in the heat

Appl Ergon. 2017 Mar;59(Pt A):442-448. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.10.001. Epub 2016 Oct 20.

Authors

Cory L Butts¹, Cody R Smith², Matthew S Ganio³, Brendon P McDermott⁴

Affiliations

¹ Human Performance Laboratory, University of Arkansas, 155 Stadium Dr HPER 321, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA. Electronic address: clbutts@uark.edu.
² Human Performance Laboratory, University of Arkansas, 155 Stadium Dr HPER 321, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA. Electronic address: crs1036@gmail.com.
³ Human Performance Laboratory, University of Arkansas, 155 Stadium Dr HPER 321, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA. Electronic address: msganio@uark.edu.
⁴ Human Performance Laboratory, University of Arkansas, 155 Stadium Dr HPER 321, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA. Electronic address: brendonm@uark.edu.

PMID: 27890156
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.10.001

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate physiological and perceptual responses using a phase change cooling (PCC) garment during simulated work in the heat.

Methods: Twenty males wearing compression undergarments, coverall suit, gloves, and hard-hat, completed two randomly assigned trials (with PCC inserts or control, CON) of simulated industrial tasks in the heat (34.2 ± 0.05 °C, 54.7 ± 0.3%RH). Trials consisted of two 20 min work bouts, a maximum performance bout, and 10 min of recovery.

Results: Physiological strain index (PSI) was lower during PCC after the second work bout and during recovery (all P < 0.05). PCC reduced heat storage (27.0 ± 7.6 W m^-2) compared to CON (42.7 ± 9.9 W m^-2, P < 0.001). Perceptual strain index (PeSI) was reduced with PCC compared to CON (P < 0.001), however performance outcomes were not different between trials (P = 0.10).

Conclusions: PCC during work in the heat attenuated thermal, physiological, and perceptual strain. This PCC garment could increase safety and reduce occupational heat illness risk.

Keywords: Exertional hyperthermia; Heat illness prevention; Phase change clothing.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Adult
Exercise Test
Heart Rate
Heat Stress Disorders / prevention & control*
Hot Temperature*
Humans
Male
Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
Occupational Health
Physical Exertion / physiology*
Protective Clothing*
Skin Temperature
Task Performance and Analysis
Young Adult