Date of Award

8-2011

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Human Performance and Health Education

First Advisor

Dr. Christopher C. Cheatham

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Campus Only

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects that a form fitted, moisturewicking fabric shirt, promoted to have improved evaporative and ventilation properties, has on the thermoregulatory, physiological and perceptual responses during moderate intensity exercise in the heat. Ten healthy male subjects completed two heat stress test consisting of 20 min seatedrest in a neutral environment (24°C, 60%RH), 30 min seated rest in a hot environment (33°C, 60% RH) and 45 min of exercise (50% V02peak) in a hot environment (33°C, 60% RH). One heat stress test was conducted with the subject wearing a 100% cotton short sleeved t-shirt (COT) and the other heat stress test was conducted with the subject wearing a short sleeved synthetic shirt (81% polyester and 19%o elastane) (UA). During the UA condition rectal temperature was significantly lower compared to the COT during the last 15 minutes of exercise. Furthermore, chest skin temperature during the UA condition was significantly lower than the UA at 25, 40 and 45 min of exercise. The synthetic polyester shirt retained less sweat providing evidence of the shirts ability to promote greater evaporation. However, there were no differences in sweat rate or sweat volume between the two conditions.

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