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Ma R, Li D, Xu C, Yang J, Huang J, Guo Z. Fabricated advanced textile for personal thermal management, intelligent health monitoring and energy harvesting. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 332:103252. [PMID: 39053159 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Fabrics are soft against the skin, flexible, easily accessible and able to wick away perspiration, to some extent for local private thermal management. In this review, we classify smart fabrics as passive thermal management fabrics and active thermal management fabrics based on the availability of outside energy consumption in the manipulation of heat generation and dissipation from the human body. The mechanism and research status of various thermal management fabrics are introduced in detail, and the article also analyses the advantages and disadvantages of various smart thermal management fabrics, achieving a better and more comprehensive comprehension of the current state of research on smart thermal management fabrics, which is quite an important reference guide for our future research. In addition, with the progress of science and technology, the social demand for fabrics has shifted from keeping warm to improving health and quality of life. E-textiles have potential value in areas such as remote health monitoring and life signal detection. New e-textiles are designed to mimic the skin, sense biological data and transmit information. At the same time, the ultra-moisturizing properties of the fabric's thermal management allow for applications beyond just the human body to energy. E-textiles hold great promise for energy harvesting and storage. The article also introduces the application of smart fabrics in life forms and energy harvesting. By combining electronic technology with textiles, e-textiles can be manufactured to promote human well-being and quality of life. Although smart textiles are equipped with more intelligent features, wearing comfort must be the first thing to be ensured in the multi-directional application of textiles. Eventually, we discuss the dares and prospects of smart thermal management fabric research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Deke Li
- School of materials engineering, Lanzhou Institute of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chenggong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinxia Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiguang Guo
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Centre for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, People's Republic of China
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Del Ferraro S, Falcone T, Morabito M, Bonafede M, Marinaccio A, Gao C, Molinaro V. Mitigating heat effects in the workplace with a ventilation jacket: Simulations of the whole-body and local human thermophysiological response with a sweating thermal manikin in a warm-dry environment. J Therm Biol 2024; 119:103772. [PMID: 38145612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is increasingly affecting human well-being and will inevitably impact on occupational sectors in terms of costs, productivity, workers' health and injuries. Among the cooling garment developed to reduce heat strain, the ventilation jacket could be considered for possible use in workplaces, as it is wearable without limiting the user's mobility and autonomy. In this study, simulations with a sweating manikin are carried out to investigate the effects of a short-sleeved ventilation jacket on human thermophysiological responses in a warm-dry scenario. Simulations were performed in a climatic chamber (air temperature = 30.1 °C; air velocity = 0.29 m/s; relative humidity = 30.0 %), considering two constant levels of metabolic rate M (M1 = 2.4 MET; M2 = 3.2 MET), a sequence of these two (Work), and three levels of fan velocities (lf = 0; lf=2; lf=4). The results revealed a more evident impact on the mean skin temperature (Tsk) compared to the rectal temperature (Tre), with significant decreases (compared to fan-off) at all M levels, for Tsk from the beginning and for Tre from the 61st minute. Skin temperatures of the torso zones decreased significantly (compared to fan-off) at all M levels, and a greater drop was registered for the Back. The fans at the highest level (lf=4) were significantly effective in improving whole-body and local thermal sensations when compared to fan-off, at all M levels. At the intermediate level (lf=2), the statistical significance varied with thermal zone, M and time interval considered. The results of the simulations also showed that the Lower Torso needs to be monitored at M2 level, as the drop in skin temperature could lead to local overcooling and thermal discomfort. Simulations showed the potential effectiveness of the ventilation jacket, but human trials are needed to verify its cooling power in real working conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Del Ferraro
- Laboratory of Ergonomics and Physiology, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Falcone
- Laboratory of Ergonomics and Physiology, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Morabito
- Institute of BioEconomy (IBE), National Research Council, Via Madonna Del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Piazzale Delle Cascine 18, 50144, Florence, Italy.
| | - Michela Bonafede
- Laboratory of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Stefano Gradi 55, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Laboratory of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Stefano Gradi 55, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chuansi Gao
- Aerosol and Climate Laboratory, Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Sölvegatan 26, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Vincenzo Molinaro
- Laboratory of Ergonomics and Physiology, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy.
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Soleimani N, Habibi P, Dehghan H. Effect of air blowing inside isolated hospital clothing on perceptual and physiological heat strain in laboratory conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2023:10.1007/s00484-023-02484-6. [PMID: 37193905 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02484-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress is one of the most common complaints of health care employees who wear isolation gowns to protect themselves from biological agents, particularly during the warmer seasons. This study was conducted in a climatic chamber to determine the influence of airflow within isolated hospital gowns on physiological-perceptual heat strain indices. The experiment was conducted in three trials: regular clothes (CON), an impenetrable gown without air blowing (GO), and a gown with air blowing (GO + FAN) at temperature conditions of 27 °C and 25% relative humidity (RH). During the trial, physiological-perceptual response data were recorded for a half-hour on a treadmill at a speed of km/hr and a slope of 0% activity at 5-min intervals. The ASHRAE Likert scale was used to assess thermal comfort (TC), thermal sensation (TS), and skin wetness sensation (WS). As the results show, there was a significant difference in mean scores for TC and WS in both sexes when working in the CON, GO, and GO + FAN groups (P < 0.001). In women, the mean scores for TS, TC, and WS reduced considerably (P < 0.001) in the GO and GO + FAN in the amount of 10 and 12 CFM (20 [Formula: see text]/h), but in males, there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores (P < 0.001) in the GO + FAN at 12 CFM (20 [Formula: see text]/h) and 14 CFM (24 [Formula: see text]/h). Also, the greatest difference between the average heart rate, chest temperature, and temperature inside the clothes in women and men in the trials GO and GO + FAN was observed in the air flow 12 CFM and 14 CFM, respectively (P < 0.001). The usage of an air blower in isolated hospital clothes has been shown to influence physiological-perceptual parameters in men and women substantially. The existence of airflow in these gowns can improve safety, performance, and thermal comfort while also decreasing the risk of heat-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Soleimani
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Research Committee, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Peymaneh Habibi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Habibollah Dehghan
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Tokizawa K. Effects of wetted inner clothing on thermal strain in young and older males while wearing ventilation garments. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1122504. [PMID: 36909241 PMCID: PMC9992724 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1122504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the effect of wearing a water-soaked inner t-shirt with a ventilation garment on thermal and cardiovascular strain in eight young (26 ± 4 years) and eight older (67 ± 3 years) men undertaking moderate-intensity work (metabolic rate: 200-230 W m-2) in a hot environment (37°C, 50% RH, 2.8 kPa). While intermittent walking in hot conditions for 60 min, as a control (CON), the subject wore a dry inner t-shirt (long-sleeved) without fanning of a ventilation jacket (single-layered cotton, 0.21 clo). On separate days, under a fanned ventilation jacket, the subject wore a dry inner t-shirt (DRY) or an inner t-shirt soaked with 350 mL of tap water (WET). In the young group, increases in rectal temperature from pre-exercise baseline in the WET trial (0.7°C ± 0.2°C) were lower than in the CON (1.3°C ± 0.3°C) and DRY (1.1°C ± 0.2°C) (both p < 0.05) trials during exercise in hot conditions. In the older group, the increases were also attenuated in WET (0.7°C ± 0.4°C) compared with CON (1.3°C ± 0.4°C) and DRY (1.1°C ± 0.4°C) (both p < 0.05) without differences between age groups. Heart rate and whole-body sweat loss were lowest in the WET, followed by DRY, and then CON conditions in both groups (all p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that wearing a water-soaked inner t-shirt while using a ventilation garment is an effective and practical cooling strategy to mitigate thermal and cardiovascular strains in young and older individuals during moderate-intensity work in hot conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Tokizawa
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Tokyo, Japan
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Personal Cooling Garments: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14245522. [PMID: 36559889 PMCID: PMC9785808 DOI: 10.3390/polym14245522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermal comfort is of critical importance to people during hot weather or harsh working conditions to reduce heat stress. Therefore, personal cooling garments (PCGs) is a promising technology that provides a sustainable solution to provide direct thermal regulation on the human body, while at the same time, effectively reduces energy consumption on whole-building cooling. This paper summarizes the current status of PCGs, and depending on the requirement of electric power supply, we divide the PCGs into two categories with systematic instruction on the cooling materials, working principles, and state-of-the-art research progress. Additionally, the application fields of different cooling strategies are presented. Current problems hindering the improvement of PCGs, and further development recommendations are highlighted, in the hope of fostering and widening the prospect of PCGs.
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Saidi A, Gauvin C. Towards real-time thermal stress prediction systems for workers. J Therm Biol 2022; 113:103405. [PMID: 37055098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to extreme temperatures in workplaces implies serious physical hazards to workers. In addition, a poorly acclimatized worker can have reduced performance and alertness. It may therefore be more vulnerable to the risk of accidents and injuries. Due to the incompatibility of standards and regulations with some work environments and a lack of thermal exchange in many personal protective equipment, heat stress remains among the most common physical risks in many industrial sectors. Furthermore, conventional methods of measuring physiological parameters in order to calculate personal thermophysiological constraints are not practical to use during work tasks. However, the emergence of wearable technologies can contribute to real-time measurement of body temperature and the biometric signals needed to assess thermophysiological constraints while actively working. Thus, the present study was carried out in order to scrutinize the current knowledge of these types of technologies by analyzing the available systems and the advances made in previous studies, as well as to discuss the efforts required to develop devices for the prevention of the occurrence of heat stress in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Saidi
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail, IRSST, Canada.
| | - Chantal Gauvin
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail, IRSST, Canada
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Zhang Y, Jia J, Guo Z. Numerical investigation of heat transfer in a garment convective cooling system. FASHION AND TEXTILES 2022; 9:2. [PMCID: PMC8760084 DOI: 10.1186/s40691-021-00276-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
A personal microclimate management system is designed to maintain thermal comfort which allows people to overcome a harsh environment. It consists of several micro-fans placed in the garment side seam to provide cooling air. The computational fluid dynamics method was used to simulate the three-dimensional model and analysis the influence of fan’s number and air gap distance. The obtained results depict that the introduced cool airflow will find its way along paths with flow resistance minimized and exhaust through several separated exit. The body heat flux is taken away at the same time. The convection effect is enhanced by the increase in the fans’ numbers, but the fans’ cooling effect varies a lot because of various air gap distances. When the air gap is small enough, the cooling air impact the body surface directly and causes fierce heat loss. While the air gap distance is large enough, the heat transfer along the skin surface could be enhanced by the eddy flow which is existed in the air gap between body and garment. These phenomena can maintain the body’s thermal comfort in a suitable range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Zhang
- Shangyu College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312300 Zhejiang China
- School of Fashion Design and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018 Zhejiang China
| | - Juhong Jia
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Ziyi Guo
- School of Fashion Design and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018 Zhejiang China
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Hashimoto K, Horie S, Nagano C, Hibino H, Mori K, Fukuzawa K, Nakayama M, Tanaka H, Inoue J. A fan-attached jacket worn in an environment exceeding body temperature suppresses an increase in core temperature. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21269. [PMID: 34711896 PMCID: PMC8553827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00655-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined whether blowing hot air above body temperature under work clothing may suppress core temperature. Nine Japanese men engaged in two 30-min bicycle ergometer sessions at a workload of 40% VO2max at 40 °C and 50% relative humidity. The experiment was conducted without wearing any cooling apparatus (CON), wearing a cooling vest that circulated 10.0 °C water (VEST), and wearing a fan-attached jacket that transferred ambient air underneath the jacket at a rate of 30 L/s (FAN). The VEST and FAN conditions suppressed the increases of rectal temperature (CON, VEST, FAN; 38.01 ± 0.19 °C, 37.72 ± 0.12 °C (p = 0.0076), 37.54 ± 0.19 °C (p = 0.0023), respectively), esophageal temperature (38.22 ± 0.30 °C, 37.55 ± 0.18 °C (p = 0.0039), 37.54 ± 0.21 °C (p = 0.0039), respectively), and heart rate (157.3 ± 9.8 bpm, 136.9 ± 8.9 bpm, (p = 0.0042), 137.5 ± 6.5 bpm (p = 0.0023), respectively). Two conditions also reduced the estimated amount of sweating and improved various subjective evaluations. Even in the 40 °C and 50% relative humidity environment, we may recommend wearing a fan-attached jacket because the heat dissipation through evaporation exceeded the heat convection from the hot ambient air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahori Hashimoto
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Seichi Horie
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Chikage Nagano
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hibino
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Kimiyo Mori
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Kimie Fukuzawa
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Masashi Nakayama
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tanaka
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Jinro Inoue
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
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Saidi A, Gauvin C, Ladhari S, Nguyen-Tri P. Advanced Functional Materials for Intelligent Thermoregulation in Personal Protective Equipment. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:3711. [PMID: 34771268 PMCID: PMC8587695 DOI: 10.3390/polym13213711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The exposure to extreme temperatures in workplaces involves physical hazards for workers. A poorly acclimated worker may have lower performance and vigilance and therefore may be more exposed to accidents and injuries. Due to the incompatibility of the existing standards implemented in some workplaces and the lack of thermoregulation in many types of protective equipment that are commonly fabricated using various types of polymeric materials, thermal stress remains one of the most frequent physical hazards in many work sectors. However, many of these problems can be overcome with the use of smart textile technologies that enable intelligent thermoregulation in personal protective equipment. Being based on conductive and functional polymeric materials, smart textiles can detect many external stimuli and react to them. Interconnected sensors and actuators that interact and react to existing risks can provide the wearer with increased safety, protection, and comfort. Thus, the skills of smart protective equipment can contribute to the reduction of errors and the number and severity of accidents in the workplace and thus promote improved performance, efficiency, and productivity. This review provides an overview and opinions of authors on the current state of knowledge on these types of technologies by reviewing and discussing the state of the art of commercially available systems and the advances made in previous research works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Saidi
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials for Energy and Environment, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada;
- Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST), 505 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, QC H3A 3C2, Canada;
| | - Chantal Gauvin
- Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST), 505 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, QC H3A 3C2, Canada;
| | - Safa Ladhari
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials for Energy and Environment, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada;
| | - Phuong Nguyen-Tri
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials for Energy and Environment, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada;
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Ioannou LG, Mantzios K, Tsoutsoubi L, Nintou E, Vliora M, Gkiata P, Dallas CN, Gkikas G, Agaliotis G, Sfakianakis K, Kapnia AK, Testa DJ, Amorim T, Dinas PC, Mayor TS, Gao C, Nybo L, Flouris AD. Occupational Heat Stress: Multi-Country Observations and Interventions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6303. [PMID: 34200783 PMCID: PMC8296111 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational heat exposure can provoke health problems that increase the risk of certain diseases and affect workers' ability to maintain healthy and productive lives. This study investigates the effects of occupational heat stress on workers' physiological strain and labor productivity, as well as examining multiple interventions to mitigate the problem. METHODS We monitored 518 full work-shifts obtained from 238 experienced and acclimatized individuals who work in key industrial sectors located in Cyprus, Greece, Qatar, and Spain. Continuous core body temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate, and labor productivity were collected from the beginning to the end of all work-shifts. RESULTS In workplaces where self-pacing is not feasible or very limited, we found that occupational heat stress is associated with the heat strain experienced by workers. Strategies focusing on hydration, work-rest cycles, and ventilated clothing were able to mitigate the physiological heat strain experienced by workers. Increasing mechanization enhanced labor productivity without increasing workers' physiological strain. CONCLUSIONS Empowering laborers to self-pace is the basis of heat mitigation, while tailored strategies focusing on hydration, work-rest cycles, ventilated garments, and mechanization can further reduce the physiological heat strain experienced by workers under certain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas G. Ioannou
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Konstantinos Mantzios
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Lydia Tsoutsoubi
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Eleni Nintou
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Maria Vliora
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Paraskevi Gkiata
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Constantinos N. Dallas
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Giorgos Gkikas
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Gerasimos Agaliotis
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Kostas Sfakianakis
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Areti K. Kapnia
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Davide J. Testa
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Tânia Amorim
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Petros C. Dinas
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
| | - Tiago S. Mayor
- SIMTECH Laboratory, Transport Phenomena Research Centre, Engineering Faculty of Porto University, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Chuansi Gao
- Thermal Environment Laboratory, Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Lars Nybo
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Andreas D. Flouris
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (L.G.I.); (K.M.); (L.T.); (E.N.); (M.V.); (P.G.); (C.N.D.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (K.S.); (A.K.K.); (D.J.T.); (T.A.); (P.C.D.)
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Ciuha U, Valenčič T, Mekjavic IB. Cooling efficiency of vests with different cooling concepts over 8-hour trials. ERGONOMICS 2021; 64:625-639. [PMID: 33222661 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2020.1853820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As frequency and severity of heat waves are increasing, personal cooling systems are being considered as a tool to mitigate heat strain in workers in various occupational settings. This study assessed cooling capacities (C; W·h·m-2) of various commercially available vests using different cooling concepts. Measurements were conducted over 8 h in a climatic chamber (Ta: 35 °C, RH: 35 %) using a thermal manikin (Ts: 35 °C). Cooling power (P) and duration of efficient cooling (tc) determined the C value of each vest. Among the cooling concepts the active cooling vests were the most efficient, extracting 331 W·h·m-2, followed by the vests with phase change material (PCM) inserts, hybrid and evaporative vests, extracting a maximum of 164 W·h·m-2, 146 W·h·m-2 and 113 W·h·m-2, respectively. While some vests with PCM inserts provided intense but shorter cooling, evaporative vests provided mild but longer cooling throughout. Practitioner summary: The study assessed the cooling capacity of commercially available vests, using a thermal manikin. The vests present an affordable solution in various occupational settings where air-conditioning is not an option. A range of cooling capacities among different cooling concepts and vests of the same category were noted. Abbreviations: ACVs: air-cooled vests; LCVs: liquid-cooled vests; ECVs: evaporative cooling vests; HCVs: hybrid cooling vests; PCVs: phase-change cooling vests; PCM: phase change material; C: cooling capacity; Rt: thermal resistance; Re: evaporative resistance; Re (%): relative evaporative resistance; P: cooling power; Pmax: maximal cooling power; Pavg: average cooling power; tc: cooling duration; AUC: area under the curve; Ta: ambient temperature; RH: relative humidity; va: chamber air flow; Ts: manikin surface temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urša Ciuha
- Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Valenčič
- Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor B Mekjavic
- Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Grönkvist M, Mekjavic I, Ciuha U, Eiken O. Heat Strain with Two Different Ventilation Vests During a Simulated 3-Hour Helicopter Desert Mission. Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2021; 92:248-256. [PMID: 33752788 DOI: 10.3357/amhp.5761.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The study investigated the heat strain of personnel operating in the rear cabin of a helicopter during desert-climate missions, and to what extent the strain can be mitigated by use of battery-driven ventilation vests.METHODS: Eight men undertook 3-h simulated flight missions in desert conditions (45C, 10% humidity, solar radiation). Each subject participated in three conditions wearing helicopter flight equipment, including body armor, and either: a ventilation vest with a 3-dimensional mesh (Vent-1), a ventilation vest with a foam sheet incorporating channels to direct the air flow (Vent-2), or a T-shirt (NoVent); each mission comprised a 10-min walk, followed by sitting for 30 min, kneeling on a vibration platform for 2 h, and finally 30 min of sitting. Core temperature, heart rate, skin temperatures and heat flux, oxygen uptake, sweating rate, and subjective ratings were recorded. Evaporative capacity and thermal resistance of the garments were determined using a thermal manikin.RESULTS: All subjects completed the NoVent and Vent-1 conditions, whereas in the Vent-2 condition, one subject finished prematurely due to heat exhaustion. The increase in core temperature was significantly (P 0.01) greater in Novent (0.93C) and Vent-2 (0.88C) than in Vent-1 (0.61C). Evaporative capacity was significantly higher for Vent-1 (7.8 g min1) than for NoVent (4.1 g min1) and Vent-2 (4.4 g min1).DISCUSSION: Helicopter personnel may be at risk of heat exhaustion during desert missions. The risk can be reduced by use of a ventilation vest. However, the cooling efficacy of ventilation vests differs substantially depending on their design and ventilation concept.Grönkvist M, Mekjavic I, Ciuha U, Eiken O. Heat strain with two different ventilation vests during a simulated 3-hour helicopter desert mission. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(4):248256.
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Taylor NAS, Lee JY, Kim S, Notley SR. Physiological interactions with personal-protective clothing, physically demanding work and global warming: An Asia-Pacific perspective. J Therm Biol 2021; 97:102858. [PMID: 33863427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The Asia-Pacific contains over half of the world's population, 21 countries have a Gross Domestic Product <25% of the world's largest economy, many countries have tropical climates and all suffer the impact of global warming. That 'perfect storm' exacerbates the risk of occupational heat illness, yet first responders must perform physically demanding work wearing personal-protective clothing and equipment. Unfortunately, the Eurocentric emphasis of past research has sometimes reduced its applicability to other ethnic groups. To redress that imbalance, relevant contemporary research has been reviewed, to which has been added information applicable to people of Asian, Melanesian and Polynesian ancestry. An epidemiological triad is used to identify the causal agents and host factors of work intolerance within hot-humid climates, commencing with the size dependency of resting metabolism and heat production accompanying load carriage, followed by a progression from the impact of single-layered clothing through to encapsulating ensembles. A morphological hypothesis is presented to account for inter-individual differences in heat production and heat loss, which seems to explain apparent ethnic- and gender-related differences in thermoregulation, at least within thermally compensable states. The mechanisms underlying work intolerance, cardiovascular insufficiency and heat illness are reviewed, along with epidemiological data from the Asia-Pacific. Finally, evidence-based preventative and treatment strategies are presented and updated concerning moisture-management fabrics and barriers, dehydration, pre- and post-exercise cooling, and heat adaptation. An extensive reference list is provided, with >25 recommendations enabling physiologists, occupational health specialists, policy makers, purchasing officers and manufacturers to rapidly extract interpretative outcomes pertinent to the Asia-Pacific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel A S Taylor
- Research Institute of Human Ecology, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joo-Young Lee
- Research Institute of Human Ecology, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Siyeon Kim
- Human Convergence Technology R&D Department, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sean R Notley
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Kajiki M, Yamashita N, Ito R, Matsumoto T. Effects of air-perfused rucksack on physiological and perceptual strain during low-intensity exercise in a hot environment. Temperature (Austin) 2020; 7:157-164. [PMID: 33015243 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2020.1757991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The upcoming Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games may be held amid extremely high wet-bulb globe temperature conditions. Many studies have focused on countermeasures to prevent the reduction in exercise performance in the heat. However, cooling strategies for managing heat stress of staff and spectators remain poorly understood. The present study investigated the effects of a lightweight fan cooling device, namely a commercially available air-perfused rucksack, on physiological and perceptual responses during low-intensity exercise in a hot environment. Ten males walked (5.5 km/h, 2.0% gradient) for 60 min in hot conditions (35°C, 50% relative humidity). All participants performed two trials with and without the air-perfused rucksack, respectively. Air was blown onto the upper back and neck via two fans attached on either side of the rucksack. Rectal temperature, neck skin temperature, heart rate, and physiological strain index were significantly lower during walking (P < 0.05) with the rucksack. Additionally, the ratings of perceived exertion, thermal sensation, and thermal comfort were significantly lower (P < 0.05) with the rucksack. These data suggest that the air-perfused rucksack may be effective for managing heat stress of staff and spectators at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Abbreviations CON: control trial; ES: effect sizes; FAN: fan cooling trial; HR: heart rate; mTsk: mean skin temperature; pre: pre-exercise; PSI: physiological strain index; RPE: rating of perceived exertion; SD: standard deviation; TC: thermal comfort; Tneck: neck skin temperature; Tre: rectal temperature; TS: thermal sensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanobu Kajiki
- Laboratory for Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics, Graduate School of Health and Sport Sciences, Chukyo University, Toyota, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Yamashita
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryo Ito
- School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Daido University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takaaki Matsumoto
- Laboratory for Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics, Graduate School of Health and Sport Sciences, Chukyo University, Toyota, Japan
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Two isothermal challenges yield comparable physiological and subjective responses. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020; 120:2761-2772. [PMID: 32954442 PMCID: PMC7674389 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04494-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Ventilated vests are developed to reduce thermal stress by enhancing convective and evaporative cooling from skin tissue underneath the vest. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether thermal stress is equal when a ventilated vest is worn compared to a no-vest situation with similar dry thermal resistance. Methods Nine healthy males walked on a treadmill (7 km h−1) for 45 min in a desert climate (34 °C, 20% relative humidity) with and without ventilated vest. Gastrointestinal temperature (Tgi), heart rate (HR), and skin temperature (Tsk) were continuously monitored. Local sweat rate (LSR) was assessed two times on six skin locations. Subjective ratings were assessed every 10 min. Results Final Tgi (37.6 ± 0.1 °C for vest and 37.6 ± 0.1 °C for no-vest), HR (133 ± 7 bpm and 133 ± 9 bpm) and mean Tsk (34.8 ± 0.7 °C and 34.9 ± 0.6 °C) were not different between conditions (p ≥ 0.163). Scapula skin temperature (Tscapula) under the vest tended to be lower (baseline to final: ΔTscapula = 0.35 ± 0.37 °C) than without vest (ΔTscapula = 0.74 ± 0.62 °C, p = 0.096). LSR at locations outside the vest did not differ with and without vest (p ≥ 0.271). Likewise, subjective responses did not differ between conditions (χ2 ≥ 0.143). Conclusions We conclude that two systems with similar dry thermal resistance and, therefore, similar required evaporation, resulted in similar thermal stress during paced walking in a hot-dry environment. Local ventilation did not alter the sweating response on locations outside the vest.
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Douzi W, Dugué B, Theurot D, Vinches L, Hallé S, Dupuy O. Cooling During Exercise May Induce Benefits Linked to Improved Brain Perfusion. Int J Sports Med 2020; 42:122-131. [PMID: 32920802 DOI: 10.1055/a-1213-5960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of using a cooling vest during physical exercise (per-cooling) in humid and temperate conditions (≈22°C, ≈80% relative humidity) on perceptual and physiological responses (tissue oxygenation and heart rate). 20 physically active men performed twice a 30-min cycling exercise at 70% of their theoretical maximum heart rate while using an activated (experimental condition) and a deactivated (control condition) cooling system in a randomized crossover study. Heart rate and tissue (cerebral and muscular) oxygenation were continuously measured during exercise and recovery, and skin temperature was measured every 10 min. Perception of temperature, humidity and comfort were assessed at the end of the recovery period. Results showed a decrease in trunk skin temperature (p<0.05), a faster heart rate recovery and an increase in the concentration of total hemoglobin at the brain level (p<0.05) compared with control condition. Moreover, an improved subjective rating of thermal sensations, wetness and comfort compared to control values (p<0.05) was noted. In conclusion, wearing a cooling vest during submaximal exercise improves perceptual and physiological responses in humid temperate conditions, which may be due to a better blood perfusion at the brain level and a better parasympathetic reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Douzi
- Laboratoire "Mobilité, Vieillissement, Exercice (MOVE) - EA 6314" et Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Benoit Dugué
- Laboratoire "Mobilité, Vieillissement, Exercice (MOVE) - EA 6314" et Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Dimitri Theurot
- Laboratoire "Mobilité, Vieillissement, Exercice (MOVE) - EA 6314" et Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Ludwig Vinches
- École de santé publique - Département de Santé Environnementale et Santé au Travail, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stéphane Hallé
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ecole de Technologie Supérieure, Montreal, Canada
| | - Olivier Dupuy
- Laboratoire "Mobilité, Vieillissement, Exercice (MOVE) - EA 6314" et Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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Beal H, Goodall S, Modhwadia A, Barwood MJ. Testing traditions in cycling: newspapers are effective thermal insulators during simulated downhill cycling. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2020; 61:109-116. [PMID: 32734756 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.20.11091-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cycling downhill accelerates heat loss and requires lower work rates leading to cold discomfort. Historically, cyclists have behaviorally thermoregulated prior to cycling downhill by inserting newspapers into their jerseys. Yet, there is no experimental data to support such a method showing improvements in thermal perception and profile; we hypothesized it would. METHODS Two cohorts (N.=8 each) of male participants completed two main trials each involving 30-minutes simulated uphill cycling (65% VO<inf>2peak</inf> 188 [41] W; no fan) followed by 15-minutes downhill cycling (35% VO<inf>2peak</inf> 41 [12] W) in front of an industrial fan (wind speed: 4.6 [0.1] m·s-1). In one trial participants inserted one (study 1) or two (study 2) tabloid newspapers into their jerseys (PAPER) prior to downhill cycling; the other was a control (NOPAPER). Whole body and torso thermal sensation (TS) and comfort (TC), aural temperature (T<inf>au</inf>), skin temperature (T<inf>skin</inf>), and newspaper mass change (∆) were measured. Data were compared using ANOVA and t-test to 0.05 alpha level. RESULTS After uphill cycling thermal and perceptual profiles were similar. In study 1, only TC was transiently improved 1-minute after newspaper insertion. In study 2, T<inf>skin</inf> rate of decline was lower in the PAPER condition (-0.11 [0.12] °C.min-1 cf -0.53 [0.16] °C.min-1; P=0.001) and T<inf>chest</inf> remained higher (28.83 [3.17] °C cf 24.39 [3.22] °C). This improved TS but not TC. Newspaper mass increased indicating impaired sweat evaporation (∆<inf>mass</inf>: 5.7 [4.9] g; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS Thermal perception and profile during downhill cycling was improved by inserting two newspapers but not one newspaper into the jersey, supporting our hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Beal
- Department of Sport, Health and Nutrition, Leeds Trinity University, Horsforth, UK
| | - Stuart Goodall
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Akash Modhwadia
- Department of Sport Science and Medicine, MK Dons Football Club, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Martin J Barwood
- Department of Sport, Health and Nutrition, Leeds Trinity University, Horsforth, UK -
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Golbabaei F, Heydari A, Moradi G, Dehghan H, Moradi A, Habibi P. The effect of cooling vests on physiological and perceptual responses: a systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2020; 28:223-255. [PMID: 32164499 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1741251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Humans in hot environments are exposed to health risks and thermal discomfort which seriously affect their physical, physiological and mental workload. This study aimed to assess the effects of using cooling vests (CVs) on physiological and perceptual responses in the workplace. Three main databases were searched using subject headings and appropriate Mesh terms. The article has been written according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews checklist. A total of 23,837 studies were identified for screening and 63 studies were eligible for data extraction. A statistically significant difference was observed in body temperature among hybrid cooling garments (HBCGs), phase-change materials (PCMs) and air-cooled garments (ACGs) at 31.56-37 °C (60% relative humidity), evaporative cooling garments at 25.8-28.1 °C and liquid cooling garments at 35 °C (49% relative humidity) compared to without CVs (p < 0.001). HBCGs (PCMs and ACGs) are effective means in hot, moderate, humid or dry environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farideh Golbabaei
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Ahad Heydari
- Department of Health in Disaster and Emergencies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Moradi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Habibollah Dehghan
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Moradi
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Peymaneh Habibi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
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Douzi W, Dupuy O, Theurot D, Smolander J, Dugué B. Per-Cooling (Using Cooling Systems during Physical Exercise) Enhances Physical and Cognitive Performances in Hot Environments. A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E1031. [PMID: 32041228 PMCID: PMC7036802 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17031031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There are many important sport events that are organized in environments with a very hot ambient temperature (Summer Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Tour de France, etc.) and in hot locations (e.g., Qatar). Additionally, in the context of global warming and heat wave periods, athletes are often subjected to hot ambient temperatures. It is known that exercising in the heat induces disturbances that may provoke premature fatigue and negatively affects overall performance in both endurance and high intensity exercises. Deterioration in several cognitive functions may also occur, and individuals may be at risk for heat illnesses. To train, perform, work and recover and in a safe and effective way, cooling strategies have been proposed and have been routinely applied before, during and after exercise. However, there is a limited understanding of the influences of per-cooling on performance, and it is the subject of the present review. This work examines the influences of per-cooling of different areas of the body on performance in terms of intense short-term exercises ("anaerobic" exercises), endurance exercises ("aerobic" exercises), and cognitive functioning and provides detailed strategies that can be applied when individuals train and/or perform in high ambient temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Benoit Dugué
- University of Poitiers, Laboratoire Mobilité Vieillissement Exercice (MOVE)-EA6314, Faculty of Sport Sciences, 8 Allée Jean Monnet, 86000 Poitiers, France; (W.D.); (O.D.); (D.T.); (J.S.)
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20
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Douzi W, Dugué B, Vinches L, Al Sayed C, Hallé S, Bosquet L, Dupuy O. Cooling during exercise enhances performances, but the cooled body areas matter: A systematic review with meta‐analyses. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2019; 29:1660-1676. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.13521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Douzi
- Laboratoire Mobilité Vieillissement Exercice (MOVE)‐EA6314, Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Poitiers Poitiers France
| | - Benoit Dugué
- Laboratoire Mobilité Vieillissement Exercice (MOVE)‐EA6314, Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Poitiers Poitiers France
| | - Ludwig Vinches
- Department of Mechanical Engineering ‐ Ecole de Technologie Supérieure Montréal QC Canada
| | - Chady Al Sayed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering ‐ Ecole de Technologie Supérieure Montréal QC Canada
| | - Stéphane Hallé
- Department of Mechanical Engineering ‐ Ecole de Technologie Supérieure Montréal QC Canada
| | - Laurent Bosquet
- Laboratoire Mobilité Vieillissement Exercice (MOVE)‐EA6314, Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Poitiers Poitiers France
| | - Olivier Dupuy
- Laboratoire Mobilité Vieillissement Exercice (MOVE)‐EA6314, Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Poitiers Poitiers France
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21
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Chan AP, Yang Y, Wong FK, Yam MC, Wong DP, Song WF. Reduction of Physiological Strain Under a Hot and Humid Environment by a Hybrid Cooling Vest. J Strength Cond Res 2019; 33:1429-1436. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000001837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Watkins ER, Hayes M, Watt P, Richardson AJ. Practical pre-cooling methods for occupational heat exposure. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2018; 70:26-33. [PMID: 29866317 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify a pre-cooling method to reduce the physiological and perceptual strain, and the inflammatory response, experienced by individuals who wear personal protective equipment. Eleven males (age 20 ± 2 years, weight 75.8 ± 9.3 kg, height 177.1 ± 5.0 cm) completed 15min pre-cooling (phase change vest [PCV], forearm cooling [ARM], ice slurry consumption [ICE], or a no cooling control [CON]) and 45min intermittent walk (4 km h-1, 1% gradient) in 49.5 ± 0.6 °C and 15.4 ± 1.0% RH, whilst wearing firefighter ensemble. ICE reduced rectal temperature (Tre) before heat exposure compared to CON (ΔTre: 0.24 ± 0.09 °C, p < 0.001, d = 0.38) and during exercise compared to CON, ARM, and PCV (p = 0.026, ηp2 = 0.145). Thermal sensation was reduced in ICE and ARM vs. CON (p = 0.018, ηp2 = 0.150). Interleukin-6 was not affected by pre-cooling (p = 0.648, ηp2 = 0.032). It is recommended that those wearing protective equipment consume 500 ml of ice slurry 15min prior to work to reduce physiological and perceptual strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Watkins
- Environmental Extremes Laboratory, Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, Welkin Laboratories, Eastbourne, UK.
| | - Mark Hayes
- Environmental Extremes Laboratory, Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, Welkin Laboratories, Eastbourne, UK
| | - Peter Watt
- Environmental Extremes Laboratory, Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, Welkin Laboratories, Eastbourne, UK
| | - Alan J Richardson
- Environmental Extremes Laboratory, Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine (SESAME), University of Brighton, Welkin Laboratories, Eastbourne, UK
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An investigation of thermophysiological responses of human while using four personal cooling strategies during heatwaves. J Therm Biol 2017; 70:37-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Comparison of heat strain recovery in different anti-heat stress clothing ensembles after work to exhaustion. J Therm Biol 2017; 69:311-318. [PMID: 29037399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A hot environment combined with physically demanding tasks can subject workers to a higher risk of heat stress. A series of regulations and guidelines have been proposed to design appropriate anti-heat stress work uniform to reduce body heat strain. The present study aimed to examine heat strain recovery in different anti-heat stress clothing ensembles after work to exhaustion in the heat. 10 healthy males performed intermittent treadmill running/walking to exhaustion, followed by 30min passive recovery sitting in a climatic chamber, which simulated the hot and humid outdoor environment (34°C temperature, 60% relative humidity, 0.3m/s air velocity, and 450W/m2 solar radiation). The participants took part in five wear trials in counter-balanced order, including Sportswear, CIC Uniform, NEW Uniform, ICEBANK Cooling Vest, and NEW Cooling Vest, which have different levels of cooling capacity. Core temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, sweat loss, ratings of perceived exertion, and thermal sensations were measured throughout the entire heat exposure period. Physiological heat strain indices, including the physiological strain index (PhSI) and the perceptual strain index (PeSI), were used as a yardstick to quantify and compare the rate of recovery. Significantly lower physiological strain was observed in the newly developed NEW Uniform and NEW Cooling Vest groups compared with the commonly worn CIC Uniform group during recovery. At the end of the recovery period, participants in NEW Cooling Vest achieved the highest recovery (42.18% in PhSI and 81.08% in PeSI), followed by ICEBANK Cooling Vest, Sportswear, NEW Uniform, and CIC Uniform. The cooling capacity of anti-heat stress clothing ensembles and the recovery time significantly affect the rate of recovery in PhSI and PeSI, which may benefit the industry by formulating the appropriate work-rest schedule by considering the clothing effect.
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Mekjavic IB, Ciuha U, Grönkvist M, Eiken O. The Effect of Low Ambient Relative Humidity on Physical Performance and Perceptual Responses during Load Carriage. Front Physiol 2017; 8:451. [PMID: 28729839 PMCID: PMC5498462 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The study evaluated the effect of low ambient relative humidity on physical performance and perceptual responses during load carriage in a hot environment. Methods: Ten heat-unacclimatized male subjects participated in three 130-min trials, during which they walked on a treadmill, carrying a load of ~35 kg, at a speed of 3.2 km.h−1, with an incident wind at the same velocity and ambient temperature at 45°C. Each trial commenced with a 10-min baseline at 20°C and 50% relative humidity (RH), the subjects transferred to a climatic chamber and commenced their simulated hike, comprising two 50-min walks separated by a 20-min rest period. In two, full protective equipment (FP) trials, RH was 10% (partial pressure of water vapor, pH2O = 7.2 mmHg) in one (FP10), and 20% (pH2O = 14.4 mmHg; FP20) in the other. In the control trial, subjects were semi-nude (SN) and carried the equipment in their backpacks; RH was 20%. Measurements included oxygen uptake, ventilation, heart rate, rectal and skin temperatures, heat flux, temperature perception, and thermal comfort. Results: In FP20, four subjects terminated the trial prematurely due to signs of heat exhaustion; there were no such signs in FP10 or SN. Upon completion of the trials, pulmonary ventilation, heart rate, and rectal temperature were lower in FP10 (33 ± 5 l/min; 128 ± 21 bpm; 38.2 ± 0.4°C) and SN (34 ± 4 l/min; 113 ± 18 bpm; 38.1 ± 0.4°C than in FP20 (39 ± 8 l/min; 145 ± 12 bpm; 38.6 ± 0.4°C). Evaporation was significantly greater in the SN compared to FP10 and FP20 trials. FP10 was rated thermally more comfortable than FP20. Conclusion: A lower ambient partial pressure of water vapor, reflected in a lower ambient relative humidity, improved cardiorespiratory, thermoregulatory, and perceptual responses during load carriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor B Mekjavic
- Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jožef Stefan InstituteLjubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser UniversityBurnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Ursa Ciuha
- Environmental Physiology Laboratory, Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jožef Stefan InstituteLjubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mikael Grönkvist
- Department of Environmental Physiology, School of Health and Technology, Royal Institute of TechnologyStockholm, Sweden
| | - Ola Eiken
- Department of Environmental Physiology, School of Health and Technology, Royal Institute of TechnologyStockholm, Sweden
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26
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Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cooling Vest in a Hot and Humid Environment. Ann Work Expo Health 2017; 61:481-494. [DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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27
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Zhao M, Kuklane K, Lundgren K, Gao C, Wang F. A ventilation cooling shirt worn during office work in a hot climate: cool or not? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2016; 21:457-63. [PMID: 26693998 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2015.1087730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to identify whether a ventilation cooling shirt was effective in reducing heat strain in a hot climate. Eight female volunteers were exposed to heat (38 °C, 45% relative humidity) for 2 h with simulated office work. In the first hour they were in normal summer clothes (total thermal insulation 0.8 clo); in the second hour a ventilation cooling shirt was worn on top. After the shirt was introduced for 1 h, the skin temperatures at the scapula and the chest were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The mean skin and core temperatures were not reduced. The subjects felt cooler and more comfortable by wearing the shirt, but the cooling effect was most conspicuous only during the initial 10 min. The cooling efficiency of the ventilation shirt was not very effective under the low physical activity in this hot climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhao
- a Shanghai University of Engineering Science , China
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28
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Lu Y, Wei F, Lai D, Shi W, Wang F, Gao C, Song G. A novel personal cooling system (PCS) incorporated with phase change materials (PCMs) and ventilation fans: An investigation on its cooling efficiency. J Therm Biol 2015; 52:137-46. [PMID: 26267508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Personal cooling systems (PCS) have been developed to mitigate the impact of severe heat stress for humans working in hot environments. It is still a great challenge to develop PCSs that are portable, inexpensive, and effective. We studied the performance of a new hybrid PCS incorporating both ventilation fans and phase change materials (PCMs). The cooling efficiency of the newly developed PCS was investigated on a sweating manikin in two hot conditions: hot humid (HH, 34°C, 75% RH) and hot dry (HD, 34°C, 28% RH). Four test scenarios were selected: fans off with no PCMs (i.e., Fan-off, the CONTROL), fans on with no PCMs (i.e., Fan-on), fans off with fully solidified PCMs (i.e., PCM+Fan-off), and fans on with fully solidified PCMs (i.e., PCM+Fan-on). It was found that the addition of PCMs provided a 54∼78min cooling in HH condition. In contrast, the PCMs only offered a 19-39min cooling in HD condition. In both conditions, the ventilation fans greatly enhanced the evaporative heat loss compared with Fan-off. The hybrid PCS (i.e., PCM+Fan-on) provided a continuous cooling effect during the three-hour test and the average cooling rate for the whole body was around 111 and 315W in HH and HD conditions, respectively. Overall, the new hybrid PCS may be an effective means of ameliorating symptoms of heat stress in both hot-humid and hot-dry environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehu Lu
- Laboratory for Clothing Physiology and Ergonomics (LCPE), The National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Department of Fashion Design and Engineering, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Fanru Wei
- Department of Fashion Design and Engineering, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Dandan Lai
- Department of Fashion Design and Engineering, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Department of Fashion Design and Engineering, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Faming Wang
- Laboratory for Clothing Physiology and Ergonomics (LCPE), The National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Department of Fashion Design and Engineering, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China.
| | - Chuansi Gao
- Thermal Environment Laboratory, Department of Design Science, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Guowen Song
- Department of AESHM, Iowa State University, Ames IA 50011, USA
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29
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Elson J, Eckels S. An objective method for screening and selecting personal cooling systems based on cooling properties. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2015; 48:33-41. [PMID: 25683529 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2014.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A method is proposed for evaluation and selection of a personal cooling system (PCS) incorporating PCS, subject, and equipment weights; PCS run time; user task time; PCS cooling power; and average metabolic rate. The cooling effectiveness method presented is derived from first principles and allows those who select PCSs for specific applications to compare systems based on their projected use. This can lower testing costs by screening for the most applicable system. Methods to predict cooling power of PCSs are presented and are compared to data taken through standard manikin testing. The cooling effectiveness ranking is presented and validated against human subject test data. The proposed method provides significant insight into the application of PCS on humans. However, the interaction a humans with a PCS is complex, especially considering the range of clothing ensembles, physiological issues, and end use scenarios, and requires additional analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Elson
- Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Institute for Environmental Research, Kansas State University, 64 Seaton Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Steve Eckels
- Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Institute for Environmental Research, Kansas State University, 64 Seaton Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
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30
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Chan AP, Song W, Yang Y. Meta-analysis of the effects of microclimate cooling systems on human performance under thermal stressful environments: Potential applications to occupational workers. J Therm Biol 2015; 49-50:16-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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31
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Ryan GA, Bishop SH, Herron RL, Katica CP, Elbon BL, Bosak AM, Bishop P. Clothing adjustments for concealed soft body armor during moderate physical exertion. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2015; 12:222-226. [PMID: 25437276 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2014.973112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has studied the impact of Level II concealed soft body armor (SBA) on the augmentation of heat storage in a hot environment simulating a typical summer day in the southeastern United States (wet bulb globe temperature [WBGT] = 30°C) and noted a significant difference between macro- and micro-WBGTs. The purpose of this study was to characterize the microclimate (micro-WBGT) under a concealed Level II SBA during 60 min of moderately intense work at two separate macro-WBGTs (26°C and 30°C), and to establish WBGT corrections to allow prediction of heat strain in an individual wearing a concealed Level II SBA. A single trial was performed with nine volunteers (27 ± 4 years) outfitted with a simulated standard law enforcement uniform and a traditional concealed Level II SBA, in a moderately warm environment (WBGT = 26°C). Each participant performed cycles of 12 min of walking (1.25 L · min(-1)) and 3 min of arm curls (14.3 kg, 0.6 L · min(-1)) with a 5 min rest after every other cycle, for a total of 60 minutes. This trial was compared to an identical previously completed 60-min work bout at 30°C. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Post hoc Bonferroni and paired samples t-test analysis was conducted. A greater difference between macro- micro-WBGTs existed at 26°C compared to the 30°C macro-WBGT. Under these conditions, a moderate work in Level II SBA requires a WBGT correction of 8.9°C and 6.2°C at macro-WBGTs of 26°C and 30°C, respectively. A modified simple linear regression prediction model was established for mean Micro-WBGT for each macro-WBGTs after the plateau point at the 30 min mark. The derivation regressions at 26°C (R(2) = 0.99), and 30°C (R(2) = 0.99) indicate that micro-WBGT could be predicted for each 15 minutes time at both macro-WBGTs tested for individuals doing moderate intensity (300 Kcals · hr(-1)) work wearing concealed Level II SBA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg A Ryan
- a Department of Health and Human Performance , The University of Montana Western , Dillon , Montana
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32
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Teunissen LPJ, Wang LC, Chou SN, Huang CH, Jou GT, Daanen HAM. Evaluation of two cooling systems under a firefighter coverall. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2014; 45:1433-8. [PMID: 24798511 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2014.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Firemen often suffer from heat strain. This study investigated two chest cooling systems for use under a firefighting suit. In nine male subjects, a vest with water soaked cooling pads and a vest with water perfused tubes were compared to a control condition. Subjects performed 30 min walking and 10 min recovery in hot conditions, while physiological and perceptual parameters were measured. No differences were observed in heart rate and rectal temperature, but scapular skin temperature and fluid loss were lower using the perfused vest. Thermal sensation was cooler for the perfused vest than for the other conditions, while the cool pad vest felt initially cooler than control. However, comfort and RPE scores were similar. We conclude that the cooling effect of both tested systems, mainly providing a (temporally) cooler thermal sensation, was limited and did not meet the expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Li-Chu Wang
- Taiwan Textile Research Institute, No. 6, Chengtian Rd., Tucheng Dist., New Taipei City 23674, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shih-Nung Chou
- Taiwan Textile Research Institute, No. 6, Chengtian Rd., Tucheng Dist., New Taipei City 23674, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chin-Hsien Huang
- Taiwan Textile Research Institute, No. 6, Chengtian Rd., Tucheng Dist., New Taipei City 23674, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Gwo-Tsuen Jou
- Taiwan Textile Research Institute, No. 6, Chengtian Rd., Tucheng Dist., New Taipei City 23674, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hein A M Daanen
- TNO, PO Box 23, 3769 ZG Soesterberg, The Netherlands; MOVE Research Institute, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 9, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Reis PMR, Hebenstreit F, Gabsteiger F, von Tscharner V, Lochmann M. Methodological aspects of EEG and body dynamics measurements during motion. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:156. [PMID: 24715858 PMCID: PMC3970018 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
EEG involves the recording, analysis, and interpretation of voltages recorded on the human scalp which originate from brain gray matter. EEG is one of the most popular methods of studying and understanding the processes that underlie behavior. This is so, because EEG is relatively cheap, easy to wear, light weight and has high temporal resolution. In terms of behavior, this encompasses actions, such as movements that are performed in response to the environment. However, there are methodological difficulties which can occur when recording EEG during movement such as movement artifacts. Thus, most studies about the human brain have examined activations during static conditions. This article attempts to compile and describe relevant methodological solutions that emerged in order to measure body and brain dynamics during motion. These descriptions cover suggestions on how to avoid and reduce motion artifacts, hardware, software and techniques for synchronously recording EEG, EMG, kinematics, kinetics, and eye movements during motion. Additionally, we present various recording systems, EEG electrodes, caps and methods for determinating real/custom electrode positions. In the end we will conclude that it is possible to record and analyze synchronized brain and body dynamics related to movement or exercise tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M R Reis
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg Erlangen, Germany
| | - Felix Hebenstreit
- Digital Sports Group, Pattern Recognition Lab, Department of Computer Science, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian Gabsteiger
- Digital Sports Group, Pattern Recognition Lab, Department of Computer Science, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vinzenz von Tscharner
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthias Lochmann
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Institute of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg Erlangen, Germany
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Trbovich M, Ortega C, Schroeder J, Fredrickson M. Effect of a cooling vest on core temperature in athletes with and without spinal cord injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2014; 20:70-80. [PMID: 24574824 DOI: 10.1310/sci2001-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well accepted that persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) have impaired ability to regulate core temperature due to impaired vasomotor and sudomotor activity below their level of injury. Impaired heat dissipation puts SCI athletes at great risk of exercise-induced hyperthermia (EIH) (>37.8°C). There is minimal evidence for efficacy of any specific cooling method in SCI athletes in a thermoneutral sport-specific setting. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the extent of EIH in persons with and without SCI and subsequently examine the effect of a cooling vest to attenuate rise in core body temperature (Tc). METHODS SCI (n = 17) and able-bodied (AB; n = 19) athletes participated in a 60-minute intermittent sprinting exercise in a thermoneutral (21.1°C-23.9°C) environment. Participants were separated according to their level of injury: tetraplegia defined as above T1 (TP; n = 6), high paraplegia defined as T5 through T1 (HP; n = 5), low paraplegia defined as T6 and below (LP; n = 6), and AB (n = 19). Tc was recorded at 15-minute intervals using an ingestible thermometer pill. This protocol was completed with a cooling vest (V) and without a cooling vest (NV). RESULTS All SCI and most AB athletes experienced EIH. After 60 minutes, Tc of TP athletes was significantly increased compared to HP (P = .03) and AB athletes (P = .007). There was no significant effect of the vest on Tc over time for any group. CONCLUSIONS TP athletes have the highest risk of exercise-induced hyperthermia. The cooling vest does not significantly attenuate rise in Tc in SCI or AB athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Trbovich
- Department of PM&R, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio , Texas ; Spinal Cord Injury Service, Audie L. Murphy Veteran's Administration Hospital , San Antonio, Texas
| | - Catherine Ortega
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio , Texas
| | - James Schroeder
- Department of PM&R, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio , Texas
| | - Mark Fredrickson
- Department of PM&R, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio , Texas ; Spinal Cord Injury Service, Audie L. Murphy Veteran's Administration Hospital , San Antonio, Texas
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Ryan GA, Bishop SH, Herron RL, Katica CP, Elbon BL, Bosak AM, Bishop P. Ambient air cooling for concealed soft body armor in a hot environment. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2014; 11:93-100. [PMID: 24369931 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2013.843782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Concealed soft body armor inhibits convective and evaporative heat loss and increases heat storage, especially in hot environments. One option to potentially mitigate heat storage is to promote airflow under the soft body armor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ambient air induction (∼100 liters per minute) on heat strain while wearing concealed soft body armor in a hot environment (wet bulb globe temperature = 30°C). A counter-balanced, repeated measures protocol was performed with nine healthy male volunteers. Participants were fitted with either a traditional or modified Level II concealed soft body armor. Participants performed cycles of 12 min of walking (1.25 liters per minute) and 3 min of arm curls (0.6 liters per minute) for a total of 60 min. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the mean differences in physiological measures (rectal temperature, heart rate, micro-environment [temperature and relative humidity]). Post hoc Bonferroni analysis and paired samples t-tests (alpha = 0.01) were conducted on omnibus significant findings. Perceptual measures (perceived exertion, thermal comfort) were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Tests. Modification led to an improvement in perceived exertion at 45 min (MOD: 10 ± 1; CON: 11 ± 2; p ≤ 0.001) and 60 min (MOD: 10 ± 2; CON: 12 ± 2; p ≤ 0.001) and a reduction in micro-environment temperature in MOD (1.0 ± 0.2°C, p = 0.03) compared to CON. Modification did not attenuate change in rectal temperature or heart rate (p < 0.01) during 60-min work bout. Change in rectal temperature approached significance between MOD and CON at the end of the work bout (MOD: 0.4 ± 0.2°C; CON: 0.7 ± 0.3°C; p = 0.048). The slope of rectal temperature was significantly greater (p = 0.04) under CON compared to MOD. These data suggest that air induction may provide small benefits while wearing concealed soft body armor, though improvements are needed to lessen physiological strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg A Ryan
- a Department of Health and Human Performance , The University of Montana Western , Dillon , Montana
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Abstract
In many occupational settings, clothing must be worn to protect individuals from hazards in their work environment. However, personal protective clothing (PPC) restricts heat exchange with the environment due to high thermal resistance and low water vapor permeability. As a consequence, individuals who wear PPC often work in uncompensable heat stress conditions where body heat storage continues to rise and the risk of heat injury is greatly enhanced. Tolerance time while wearing PPC is influenced by three factors: (i) initial core temperature (Tc), affected by heat acclimation, precooling, hydration, aerobic fitness, circadian rhythm, and menstrual cycle (ii) Tc tolerated at exhaustion, influenced by state of encapsulation, hydration, and aerobic fitness; and (iii) the rate of increase in Tc from beginning to end of the heat-stress exposure, which is dependent on the clothing characteristics, thermal environment, work rate, and individual factors like body composition and economy of movement. Methods to reduce heat strain in PPC include increasing clothing permeability for air, adjusting pacing strategy, including work/rest schedules, physical training, and cooling interventions, although the additional weight and bulk of some personal cooling systems offset their intended advantage. Individuals with low body fatness who perform regular aerobic exercise have tolerance times in PPC that exceed those of their sedentary counterparts by as much as 100% due to lower resting Tc, the higher Tc tolerated at exhaustion and a slower increase in Tc during exercise. However, questions remain about the importance of activity levels, exercise intensity, cold water ingestion, and plasma volume expansion for thermotolerance.
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Kamalha E, Zeng Y, Mwasiagi JI, Kyatuheire S. The Comfort Dimension; a Review of Perception in Clothing. J SENS STUD 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/joss.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Kamalha
- College of Textile Science and Engineering; Donghua University; Shanghai 210620 China
- Department of Textile Engineering; Busitema University; Tororo Uganda
| | - Yongchun Zeng
- College of Textile Science and Engineering; Donghua University; Shanghai 210620 China
| | - Josphat I. Mwasiagi
- College of Textile Science and Engineering; Donghua University; Shanghai 210620 China
- IOTEX; Bahir Dar University; Bahir Dar Ethiopia
| | - Salome Kyatuheire
- College of Textile Science and Engineering; Donghua University; Shanghai 210620 China
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Davey SL, Barwood MJ, Tipton MJ. Thermal perceptions and skin temperatures during continuous and intermittent ventilation of the torso throughout and after exercise in the heat. Eur J Appl Physiol 2013; 113:2723-35. [PMID: 23974846 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-013-2697-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study tested the hypothesis that intermittent cooling in air-perfused vests (APV) will not only maintain thermal balance but, due to cyclical activations of cutaneous thermoreceptors, also enhance thermal perceptions. METHOD Ten physically active males completed four conditions where they exercised (walking: 5 km h(-1), 2 % gradient) in a hot environment (~34.0 °C, 50 % RH) for 72 min, followed by a 33-min period of rest. They wore an APV throughout. The four conditions differed in respect to the profile of ambient air that was perfused through the APV: continuous perfusion (CP); intermittent perfusion of 6 min ON/OFF periods (IPonoff); a steady increase and decrease in flow rate in equal increments (IPramp); and an initial step-increase in the flow rate followed by an incremental decrease to zero flow rate (IPtriang). Whole body and torso thermal comfort (TC, TTC), whole body and torso temperature sensation (TS, TTS), whole body and torso skin temperature ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), local relative humidity ([Formula: see text]) and rectal temperature (T re) were measured. RESULTS There were no significant differences in T re, absolute whole body and local [Formula: see text], TC, TTC and TS between the cooling profiles. However, TTS was cooler in CP and IPramp than IPonoff and IPtriang. Even though intermittent cooling did not significantly enhance thermal perceptions in CP, a trend existed for TC (P = 0.063) to become less favourable over time. CONCLUSION To reduce the power consumption and extend the battery life of an APV, it is recommended that an intermittent cooling profile should be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Davey
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK,
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McLellan TM, Boscarino C, Duncan EJS. Physiological strain of next generation combat uniforms with chemical and biological protection: importance of clothing vents. ERGONOMICS 2012; 56:327-337. [PMID: 23231665 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2012.746738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study examined whether vents in the arms, legs and chest of new protective assault uniforms (PTAU) reduced heat strain at 35 °C during a low dressed state (DSlow), and subsequently improved tolerance time (TT) after transitioning to DShigh compared with the battle dress uniform and overgarment (BDU+O). Small but significant reductions in rectal temperature (Tre), heart rate and vapour pressures over the thigh and shin were observed during DSlow with vents open (37.9 ± 0.2 °C, 120 ± 10 b/min, 3.7 ± 0.4 and 3.5 ± 1.0 kPa) versus closed (38.0 ± 0.1 °C, 127 ± 5 b/min, 4.3 ± 0.3 and 4.6 ± 0.5 kPa). During DShigh Tre was reduced and TT increased significantly with the PTAUs (1.1 ± 0.2 °C/h and 46 ± 24 min) versus BDU+O (1.6 ± 0.2 °C/h and 33 ± 16 min). The vents marginally reduced heat strain during DSlow and extended TT during DShigh) compared with BDU+O. Practitioner Summary: Clothing vents in chemical and biological protective uniforms can assist with heat transfer in situations where the uniforms must be worn for extended periods prior to exposure to a hazardous condition. Once the vents are closed, exposure time is increased and the increase in body temperature reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom M McLellan
- Individual Behaviour and Performance Section, DRDC Toronto, Toronto, ON, M3K 2C9, Canada.
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40
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Caldwell JN, Patterson MJ, Taylor NAS. Exertional thermal strain, protective clothing and auxiliary cooling in dry heat: evidence for physiological but not cognitive impairment. Eur J Appl Physiol 2012; 112:3597-606. [DOI: 10.1007/s00421-012-2340-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Stewart IB, Hunt AP. Negligible heat strain in armored vehicle officers wearing personal body armor. J Occup Med Toxicol 2011; 6:22. [PMID: 21801453 PMCID: PMC3157446 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6673-6-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Accepted: 07/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study evaluated the heat strain experienced by armored vehicle officers (AVOs) wearing personal body armor (PBA) in a sub-tropical climate. Methods Twelve male AVOs, aged 35-58 years, undertook an eight hour shift while wearing PBA. Heart rate and core temperature were monitored continuously. Urine specific gravity (USG) was measured before and after, and with any urination during the shift. Results Heart rate indicated an intermittent and low-intensity nature of the work. USG revealed six AVOs were dehydrated from pre through post shift, and two others became dehydrated. Core temperature averaged 37.4 ± 0.3°C, with maximum's of 37.7 ± 0.2°C. Conclusions Despite increased age, body mass, and poor hydration practices, and Wet-Bulb Globe Temperatures in excess of 30°C; the intermittent nature and low intensity of the work prevented excessive heat strain from developing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian B Stewart
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia.
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Xu X, Gonzalez J. Determination of the cooling capacity for body ventilation system. Eur J Appl Physiol 2011; 111:3155-60. [PMID: 21455613 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-011-1941-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Body ventilation systems (BVS) are effective in reducing heat strain, but the amount of heat that a BVS removes from a human body is unclear. The purpose of this study was to propose a method for quantifying BVS cooling capacity using manikin evaluation and modeling. Cooling capacity was calculated as the product of maximum cooling potential and cooling efficiency. The maximum cooling potential is calculated as the difference in enthalpy between the air entering and exiting the BVS where the outlet air temperature is equal to skin temperature with a relative humidity of 100%. The cooling efficiency, defined as a ratio of the cooling capacity to the maximum cooling potential, can be determined through measurements on sweating thermal manikins. A BVS system was evaluated on a manikin with the ventilation fan ON (flow rate 4.7 L/s) or OFF under eleven ambient conditions. The measured cooling efficiencies were 0.31 ± 0.02 and almost constant. Using this cooling efficiency, the BVS cooling capacities at various skin temperature and ambient conditions were estimated. This two-step approach can be used to quantify BVS cooling effectiveness during physiology studies. First, the cooling efficiency is determined on sweating thermal manikins. Second, the cooling capacity is calculated from the skin temperature, ambient temperature and relative humidity. However, various factors may reduce the actual cooling provided by the BVS, and the calculated cooling capacity should be considered the upper limit for cooling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojiang Xu
- Biophysics and Biomedical Modeling Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 42 Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760, USA.
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