Evaluation of a Cooling Headpiece during Work in a Hot Environment
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new, self-contained cooling headpiece (CHP) in reducing environmental heat stress. The CHP was designed to be worn by the soldier working under thermally stressful conditions, and requires no auxiliary sources of cool air or water. Two male subjects underwent 30 minutes of strenuous cycling on a bicycle ergometer in a climatic chamber at 104 F (40 C). Three trials were conducted on consecutive days: no CHP was worn on day 1, a warm CHP was worn on day 2, and a cold CHP was worn on day 3. The CHP was applied immediately before exercise and was worn for the entire 30 minute period. The cold CHP significantly reduced rate of esophageal temperature rise (Delta T sub es), heart rate (HR), heat strain index (SI) and heat storage (HS) in both subjects. No differences were observed in sweat rate (SR) or mean weighted skin temperature (MWST). The CHP minimizes the physiological strain of working in a hot environment by removing a significant amount of heat from the scalp face. We conclude that the CHP has the potential to reduce the risk of hypothermia in several military situations of short duration, and shows promise for further research and development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA192592
Entities
People
- Elaine L. Christensen
- Jane P. De Luca
- Lawrence E. Armstrong
- Patricia C. Szlyk
- Roger W. Hubbard
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine