TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2011//
TI  - Effects of Forearm vs. Leg Submersion in Work Tolerance Time in a Hot Environment While Wearing Firefighter Protective Clothing
JO  - Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene
A1  - Katica, Charles P.
A1  - Pritchett, Robert C.
A1  - Pritchett, Kelly L.
A1  - Del Pozzi, Andrew T.
A1  - Balilionis, Gytis
A1  - Burnham, Tim
SP  - 473
EP  - 477
VL  - 8
IS  - 8
N2  - 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 (T(rec)) 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 T(rec) (p = 0.65), heart rate (HR) (p = 0.79), mean skin temperature (T(sk)) (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.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1545-9624
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2011.590743
ID  - ref1
ER  -