Citation

Yuan M, Wei Y, An Q, Yang J. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10803548.2020.1858618

PMID

33350899

Abstract

This study determines the effects of a liquid cooling vest (LCV) on physiological and perceptual responses while wearing stab-resistant body armor (SRBA). Ten healthy male volunteers wearing SRBA performed human trials with the LCV and without (Control, CON) in a hot environment (30 oC and 40% relative humidity). Physiological parameters and perceptual responses were recorded during the tests. The results indicated that the difference in the mean skin temperature and scapula skin temperature between the two conditions was up to 1.2 oC and 2.5 oC, respectively. The LCV did not significantly decrease core temperature, heart rate, sweat loss, oxygen consumption, RPE, and restriction of movement. However, a significant difference was observed between conditions in terms of evaporation efficiency and thermal sensation. Therefore, the LCV attenuated an increase in thermal sensation but did not mitigate physiological strain. This work can provide fundamental knowledge for high-performance personal cooling system development.

Language: en

Keywords

thermoregulation; heat stress; personal cooling system; physical strain; Stab-resistant body armor