Effects of Forearm vs. Leg Submersion in Work Tolerance Time in a Hot Environment While Wearing Firefighter Protective Clothing

Department or Administrative Unit

Nutrition Exercise and Health Sciences

Document Type

Article

Author Copyright

Copyright © 2011 JOEH, LLC

Publication Date

7-10-2011

Journal

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene

Abstract

This study compared physiological responses and total work tolerance time following forearm submersion (FS) or leg submersion (LS) in cool water, after performing work in a hot environment while wearing fire fighting protective clothing (FPC). Participants walked at 3.5 mph on a treadmill in a hot environment (WBGT 32.8 ± 0.9°C) until a rectal temperature (Trec) of 38.5°C was reached. Participants were then subjected to one of two peripheral cooling interventions, in a counterbalanced order. Forearms or lower legs were submerged in water (16.9 ± 0.8°C) for a total of 20 min, followed by a work tolerance trial. Results indicated no significant difference (p = 0.052) between work tolerance time (LS = 21.36 ± 5.35 min vs. FS = 16.27 ± 5.56 min). Similarly, there was no significant difference for Trec (p = 0.65), heart rate (HR) (p = 0.79), mean skin temperature (Tsk) (p = 0.68), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (p = 0.54). However, LS ratings of thermal comfort (RTC) at Minute 14 (p = 0.03) were significantly lower for LS (10 ± 1) vs. FS (12 ± 1). Results indicate little difference between FS and LS for physiological measures. Despite a lack of statistical significance a 5-min (24%) increase was found during the work tolerance time following LS.

Comments

This article was originally published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.

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