Physiological and comfort effects of a commercial 'cooling cap' worn under protective helmets
| Autor: | Mark T. Richardson, M. Curtner-Smith, Catalina Casaru, Richard G. Lomax, P. A. Bishop, James M. Green, P. J. Wickwire |
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| Rok vydání: | 2009 |
| Předmět: |
Adult
Male Head cooling medicine.medical_specialty Thermal management of electronic devices and systems Urine Plasma volume Heat Stress Disorders Body Temperature Physical medicine and rehabilitation Heart Rate Medicine Humans Plasma Volume Specific Gravity Simulation Rating of perceived exertion business.industry Urine specific gravity Public Health Environmental and Occupational Health Repeated measures design Equipment Design Military Personnel VEST Head Protective Devices business Body Temperature Regulation |
| Zdroj: | Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene. 6(8) |
| ISSN: | 1545-9632 |
| Popis: | Ballistic protective helmets can impair heat dissipation. A cooling device in the helmet (cooling pad, CP) could help prevent heat problems in military personnel and potentially enhance comfort. This study examined the effects of CP on rectal and skin temperatures, heart rate, percent change in plasma volume, urine specific gravity, rating of perceived exertion, and other subjective measures while performing light work in a hot environment. It was hypothesized that the CP would act as an insulator to the head, which would not positively affect any physiological variable but could positively affect wearer subjective comfort or temperature. Participants performed a work protocol for approximately 2 hr. A ballistic vest, slacks, short-sleeved button-up shirt, and a ballistic helmet (one trial with CP and one trial without) were worn. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no differences (p0.05) between wearing and not wearing the CP for any physiological parameter. However, participants perceived the CP as cooler (p = 0.002). Other trends in perceptual data such as thermal strain and helmet comfort indicated the CP felt cooler. However, based on forehead temperature and participant comments, the CP lost its cooling ability relatively quickly (within approximately 30 min). |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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