Effects of Forearm vs. Leg Submersion in Work Tolerance Time in a Hot Environment While Wearing Firefighter Protective Clothing
Document Type
Article
Department or Administrative Unit
Nutrition Exercise and Health Sciences
Publication Date
7-10-2011
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.
Recommended Citation
Katica, C. P., Pritchett, R. C., Pritchett, K. L., Del Pozzi, A. T., Balilionis, G., & Burnham, T. (2011). Effects of Forearm vs. Leg Submersion in Work Tolerance Time in a Hot Environment While Wearing Firefighter Protective Clothing. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 8(8), 473–477. https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2011.590743
Journal
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
Rights
Copyright © 2011 JOEH, LLC
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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