title: Negligible heat strain in armored vehicle officers wearing personal body armor.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia. i.stewart@qut.edu.au.
authors.forename: Ian B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Hunt