Citation

McCullough EA, Kenney WL. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2003; 35(5): 832-837.

Affiliation

Institute for Environmental Research, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1249/01.MSS.0000064998.48130.22

PMID

12750594

Abstract

PURPOSE: To measure the thermal resistance (R(t)) and evaporative resistance (R(e,t)) of five different configurations of football uniforms commonly worn for American football practices and games. METHODS: The R(t) (insulation) of the ensembles was measured using an electrically heated manikin in thermal equilibrium with its surroundings. For the R(e,t) determinations, the manikin was covered with a cotton knit "skin" and sprayed with distilled water to simulate sweat-saturated skin. RESULTS: Compared with reference values for a T-shirt and shorts ensemble (R(t) = 0.140 m2. degrees C.W-1, R(e,t) = 0.020 m2.kPa-1.W-1), the R(t) of football uniforms ranged from 0.178 m2. degrees C.W-1 (1.15 clo) for a practice configuration of shorts, shoulder pads, practice jersey, and helmet to 0.233 m2. degrees C.W-1 (1.50 clo) for a full cold-weather uniform. Associated R(e,t) values ranged from 0.027 to 0.039 m2.kPa-1.W-1. CONCLUSION: Football uniforms contribute significantly to the heat load on a player. The thermal and evaporative resistance data presented in this paper can be used in the solution of heat balance equations to predict physiological responses of football players.