Physiological and Comfort Assessments of Volunteers Wearing Battle-Dress (BDU) Uniforms of Different Fabrics During Intermittent Exercise
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to obtain data on the physiological and psychological responses of test Volunteers wearing Battledress Uniforms (BDU) made from permeable fabrics that differ in physical and sensory properties. These properties may influence the perception of thermal and tactile comfort sensations experienced by Soldiers while wearing these garments. The ultimate objective is to determine if these material properties can be used to predict the relative likelihood of acceptance of the combat uniform fabrics worn by Soldiers based on their perception of fabric and uniform comfort. This report covers the overall study design, and the results for the physiological measurements, the skin friction coefficient tests, and sensory and affective (comfort related) questionnaires. The study was funded by the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM). A secondary test objective was to develop a reliable and valid quantitative method for comfort testing of BDU garments under minimal physiological strain. Once the methods have been developed, refined and validated in controlled studies, the methods may be used to collect data from larger populations under less controlled conditions. A new comfort test could result in significant cost-savings by identifying less expensive fabrics that provide an acceptable level of comfort. Comfort has been identified as an important performance property of clothing materials, including fabrics. In military studies, comfort has been identified or defined primarily in the context of (1) a lack of discomfort, and (2) more specifically, the absence of thermal discomfort and physiological strain associated with thermally challenging environments and activities. Other variables that contribute to overall comfort, such as tactile sensations, have often been ignored or marginalized.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA452614
Entities
People
- Armand Cardello
- Carole A. Winterhalter
- Larry G. Berglund
- Thomas L. Endrusick
- William R. Santee
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine