title: Spatial differences in sensible and latent heat losses under a bicycle helmet.
abstract: This research aims at quantifying spatial gradients in skin temperature and sweat production under a bicycle helmet. Distribution of sweat production, skin temperature and air temperature was measured at different positions under a bicycle helmet on five male and four female test persons. Effort level was 100 and 150 watt for men (low and high effort level) and 80 and 120 W for women (low and high effort level). Skin temperatures were found to be spatially different (P < 0.05): frontal and lateral region varied 4.6 degrees C at low effort level and 5.3 degrees C at high effort level. Sweat production was found to be not significantly different (P > 0.05). Finally, air temperature variations were found to be spatially different (P < 0.05). Average air temperature differed 2.3 degrees C between lateral and frontal region at high effort level and 2.7 degrees C at low effort level. The results of this research can be used to help designing helmets with better thermal comfort.
authors.affiliation: M3-BIORES, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Bruyne
authors.forename: Jean-Marie
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Aerts
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van der Perre
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goffin
authors.forename: Ignace
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Verpoest
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berckmans
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011481:Protective Clothing; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000502:physiology; D013546:Sweating / Q000502:physiology; D013696:Temperature