title: Modelling the physiological strain and physical burden of chemical protective coveralls.
abstract: This study determined the impact of selected chemical protective coveralls (CPC) on physiological responses and comfort sensations. Fifteen males exercised at approximately 6 METS in three CPC (Tyvek®, Gulf and Tychem®) and a control garment. Physiological strain was characterised by core and skin temperatures, heart rate, V̇O2, perceived exertion, hotness and wetness. Physical burden was characterised by restriction to movement, V̇O2 and RPE. The highest levels of physiological strain and physical burden were found in Tychem®, and the lowest in control. Seven statistical regression models were developed through correlation and multiple regression analyses between the human responses and the results from previously conducted fabric and garment property testing. These models showed that physical burden was increased by adding weight and/or restricting movement. Oxygen consumption was best predicted by clothing weight and fabric bending hysteresis. Fabric evaporative resistance and thickness were the two best predictors of physiological and perceptual responses. Practitioner Summary: Traditional evaluation of chemical protective coveralls (CPC) involves testing at the fabric and garment levels and rarely is based on human trials. This study integrates information from fabric, garment and human trials to better understand physiological strain and physical comfort during prolonged exercise in CPC.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Human Ecology , University of Alberta , B33 Human Ecology Building, Edmonton , Alberta , Canada , T6G 2N1.
authors.forename: ShuQin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wen
authors.affiliation: b Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada , T6G 2N1.
authors.forename: Stewart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.affiliation: a Department of Human Ecology , University of Alberta , B33 Human Ecology Building, Edmonton , Alberta , Canada , T6G 2N1.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: McQueen
authors.affiliation: a Department of Human Ecology , University of Alberta , B33 Human Ecology Building, Edmonton , Alberta , Canada , T6G 2N1.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Batcheller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature; D004867:Equipment Design; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D011481:Protective Clothing; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D013784:Textiles; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: chemical protective clothing; comfort; physical burden; physiological strain