Cardiorespiratory and thermoregulatory response of working in fire-fighter protective clothing in a temperate environment

Abstract

The cardiorespiratory and thermal responses of two intensities of treadmill exercise were compared for brief periods (12 min) in fire ensemble (FE) but without self contained breathing apparatus, and sports ensemble (SE), in a temperature environment. A further experiment explored the responses of subjects exercising in FE over a prolonged period (60 min). Eighteen male fire-fighters wearing either FE or SE walked on a level treadmill for 6 min at 5 km x h(-1) increasing to 7 km x h(-1) for 6 min. Following a recovery interval of 1 h, the exercise protocol was repeated in the second ensemble; the order of ensemble was balanced. Heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (Tre), VO2 max and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored continuously under both ensembles. At 7 km x h(-1), VO2 was significantly higher (p<0.05) in FE (36.1 and 39.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) than in SE and represented 74% VO2 max. There were no changes Tre. In experiment 2, following a rest interval of at least 36 h, eight subjects in FE walked on the treadmill at 6 km x h (gradient 10%) for 60 min also in temperate conditions, where HR, Tre and RPE were recorded at 10-min intervals. During the 60-min exercise in FE, HR reached 161 beats x min(-1) and Tre increased to 38.3 degrees C. Despite considerable subject discomfort, Tre remained below dangerous levels (38.4 degrees C). When RPE were compared with a physiological strain index (PSI) calculated from Tre and HR data over 60 min, there was no significant difference (p<0.05) with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.98. The results suggest that RPE and PSI are closely related when exercise is sufficiently prolonged or intense to elevate Tre and HR in fire-fighters wearing FE in temperate conditions. If further investigation confirms this relationship for hot humid conditions in which fire-fighters operate, then with training, it may provide individuals with a valid measure of dangerous levels of perceived heat strain.

Test of Firefighter’s Turnout Gear in Hot and Humid Air Exposure

“…The main effect of clothing is then to reduce environmental heat gain. Accordingly, heat stress develops quickly in live firefighting [3,4,5,6,7,8].…”

Development of Firefighting Performance Test Drills while Wearing Personal Protective Equipment

“…In case of an even score, the person who had higher ranking in TTC was ranked higher. Non-modified (NM) −1.000** 이라고 결론을 내렸으나 (23,24) , 소방작업은 단지 유산소 능 력만을 반영하는 것이 아닌 효율성(effectiveness)을 반영 한다는 특성이 있다 (6) . Louhevaara (26) .…”

Cost-effectiveness Analysis for Clothing Design Improvement Using Ergonomic Methods: Evaluation of Flame-proof Clothing and Design Optimization

“…기능성 의복은 특정 환경 에서 적합하게 사용되기 위한 보호복과 특정 사용자 집단을 수용하기 위한 의복으로 구분되므로 (최혜선, 2003), 다양한 사용 환경 특성과 사용자 특성에 따라 요구되는 성능을 고 려한 의복 설계가 요구된다 (Rosenblad-Wallin, 1985). 따 라서, 의복의 사용 환경 특성과 사용자 특성을 반영한 기능 성 의복의 설계 및 평가에 인간공학적 정보나 기법을 적용 한 연구들 (Baker et al, 2000;Bellingar and Slocum, 1993;Faerevik and Reinertsen, 2003;Havenith and Heus, 2004;Huck, 1988;McLellan and Cheung, 1988;McLellan and Cheung, 2000;McLellan and Selkirk, 2004;이윤정 외, 2002 (Baker et al, 2000;Bellingar and Slocum, 1993;Faerevik and Reinertsen, 2003;Havenith and Heus, 2004;Huck, 1988;McLellan and Cheung, 1988 …”