An Analysis of the Physiological and Psychological Responses Elicited When Wearing an Aerogel Cold Protective Jacket in Airflow

Abstract

This study evaluated the thermal physiological and psychological responses elicited when wearing cold protective jackets with aerogel fillings in two cold environments, one without air velocities and one with air velocities (2.3 m·s-1), at an air temperature of 10°C. The participants were five healthy young males. Measures were taken of physiological parameters, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), core temperature, oxygen uptake (Vo2), and microclimate (temperature and humidity). The psychological parameters evaluated were thermal and wetness sensation. No differences were observed in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen intake between the conditions. At tympanic temperature, a significant difference was observed between the conditions during exercise (<i>p</i> <.05); . A significant difference was observed in the microclimate temperature of the clothing according to the airflow, and temperature changes in the chest and back revealed different patterns. Significant differences were observed in thermal sensation (whole body (<i>p</i> <.05), chest (<i>p</i> <.05), back (<i>p</i> <.01)) between airflow conditions. The results therefore indicate that cold protective jackets with an aerogel filling are suitable for people operating in low-temperature and airflow environments.