Citation

De Bruyne G, Aerts JM, van der Perre G, Goffin J, Verpoest I, Berckmans D. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 2008; 104(4): 719-726.

Affiliation

M3-BIORES, KULeuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00421-008-0828-1

PMID

18649086

Abstract

This research aims at quantifying spatial gradients in skin temperature and sweat production under a bicycle helmet. Distribution of sweat production, skin temperature and air temperature was measured at different positions under a bicycle helmet on five male and four female test persons. Effort level was 100 and 150 watt for men (low and high effort level) and 80 and 120 W for women (low and high effort level). Skin temperatures were found to be spatially different (P < 0.05): frontal and lateral region varied 4.6 degrees C at low effort level and 5.3 degrees C at high effort level. Sweat production was found to be not significantly different (P > 0.05). Finally, air temperature variations were found to be spatially different (P < 0.05). Average air temperature differed 2.3 degrees C between lateral and frontal region at high effort level and 2.7 degrees C at low effort level. The results of this research can be used to help designing helmets with better thermal comfort.

Language: en