Using protective or combat garments under heavy heat stress conditions, during rest or exertion, may hinder the body's ability to effectively exchange heat with the environment and thereby can lead to heat injuries. The purpose of this research is to physiologically examine the new textile solutions that are planned to be integrated in the protective garments, combat garments and work uniforms in the army, by evaluating the physiological stress obtained during exertion under hot climatic conditions.
10 young, healthy civilian volunteers will participate in this study. After reading and signing an informed consent form, all subjects will undergo medical examination which includes ECG, anthropometric measurements and Vo2max test. Afterwards, the subjects will perform 6 acclimatization days carried out by the standard protocol of Heat Tolerance Test (HTT). After acclimatization, the subjects will undergo 4 experiment days under heavy heat stress in a climatic chamber, dressed in each experiment day with one out of 4 clothing combinations (NBC protective garment \[charcoal base\], combat garment and 2 different types of work uniforms). Physiological stress will be evaluated from rectal temperature and heart rate measurements.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
The experiment aimed at evaluating the physiological stress obtained when dressed in different clothing (NBC protective garment \[charcoal base\], combat garment and 2 different types of work uniforms- (1)50% cotton and 50% polyester (2)80% cotton and 20% polyester) and during exertion under heat conditions.
Sheba medical center
Tel Litwinsky, Ramat- Gan, Israel
physiological strain (composite)
The physiological strain will be determined by body core temperature and heart rate of the subjects during a heat tolerance test (HTT).
Time frame: 10 days for each participant
Rectal temperature
The rectal temperature will be monitored by a rectal thermistor during each heat tolerance test (HTT).
Time frame: 10 days for each participant
Skin temperature
The skin temperature will be monitored by skin thermistors located at 3 sites (chest, arm and leg).
Time frame: 10 days for each participant
Heart rate
The heart rate will be monitored using a wearable heart rate monitor (Polar® sensor and heart rate monitor watch).
Time frame: 10 days for each participant
Sweat rate (composite)
Sweat rate will be calculated from the patients' body weight and fluid balance.
Time frame: 10 days for each participant
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.