The use of infrared thermal imaging to measure spatial and temporal sweat retention in clothing

Abstract

In our previous laboratory study a 'destructive' gravimetric method was developed to quantify local garment sweat absorption. While this currently is the only methodology that permits direct and analytical measurements of garment regional sweat absorption, the latter approach is time-consuming and expensive, therefore, of limited applicability. As such, in this study, we wanted to assess whether infrared thermography could be used as an indirect method to estimate garment regional sweat absorption, right after exercise, in a 'non-destructive' fashion. Spatial and temporal sweat absorption data, obtained in our previous study, were correlated with spatial and temporal temperature data obtained in the same experiment with an infrared thermal camera. The data suggest that infrared thermography is a good tool to qualitatively predict regional sweat absorption in garments at separate individual time points; however, temporal changes are not predicted well, due to a moisture content threshold above which variations in sweat content cannot be discriminated by further temperature changes.

Evaluating the Repeatability of Friction Coefficient Measurements and Tactile Perceptions in Skin–Textile Interactions Across Body Regions

“…Human skin is the biggest organ that covers the body to protect against external threats [37]. It is known that skin temperature [38] and sweat production [39,40] vary across body regions. However, knowledge is limited on understanding the regional skin friction coefficient variation across the body.…”

Effect of sensory blockade and rate of sensory stimulation on local heating induced axon reflex response in facial skin

“…All experiments occurred in a climate-controlled room (relative humidity 47 ± 4% and temperature 22.3 ± 0.2°C). Because skin temperatures vary among people and skin locations (Raccuglia et al, 2019), local skin temperature was standardized to 33°C. Prior to standardization, baseline temperatures differed among forehead (32.4 ± 0.1°C), cheek (30.6 ± 0.2°C) and forearm (29.4 ± 0.2°C) sites (all p < 0.001).…”

The Effect of Backplate Design for Mountain Bike Backpacks on Thermoregulation Mechanisms

“…IT is a noninvasive, low-cost and safe method, which allows for the visualization of radiation and measurement of the skin’s temperature (Korukçu & Kilic, 2009). Although many researchers have assessed thermoregulation in exercise and work garments by using IT (Dotti et al, 2016; Neves et al, 2017; Pang et al, 2011; Raccuglia et al, 2019; Yin et al, 2012; Zhao et al, 2013), studies oriented on the use of backpacks are mainly based on loading distribution, the sports biomechanics and its effect in the postures adopted by the user (Chow et al, 2005; Mackie & Legg, 2008; Wang et al, 2001). To the authors’ knowledge, there is no evidence of evaluating thermal comfort on mountain bikers using backpacks through IT.…”