TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2013//
TI  - Physiological strain of next generation combat uniforms with chemical and biological protection: importance of clothing vents
JO  - Ergonomics
A1  - McLellan, Tom M.
A1  - Boscarino, Cathy
A1  - Duncan, E. J. Scott
SP  - 327
EP  - 337
VL  - 56
IS  - 2
N2  - This study examined whether vents in the arms, legs and chest of new protective assault uniforms (PTAU) reduced heat strain at 35°C during a low dressed state (DS(low)), and subsequently improved tolerance time (TT) after transitioning to DS(high) compared with the battle dress uniform and overgarment (BDU+O). Small but significant reductions in rectal temperature (T (re)), heart rate and vapour pressures over the thigh and shin were observed during DS(low) with vents open (37.9 ± 0.2°C, 120 ± 10 b/min, 3.7 ± 0.4 and 3.5 ± 1.0 kPa) versus closed (38.0 ± 0.1°C, 127 ± 5 b/min, 4.3 ± 0.3 and 4.6 ± 0.5 kPa). During DS(high) T (re) was reduced and TT increased significantly with the PTAUs (1.1 ± 0.2°C/h and 46 ± 24 min) versus BDU+O (1.6 ± 0.2°C/h and 33 ± 16 min). The vents marginally reduced heat strain during DS(low) and extended TT during DS(high) compared with BDU+O. Practitioner Summary: Clothing vents in chemical and biological protective uniforms can assist with heat transfer in situations where the uniforms must be worn for extended periods prior to exposure to a hazardous condition. Once the vents are closed, exposure time is increased and the increase in body temperature reduced.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0014-0139
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2012.746738
ID  - ref1
ER  -