Efficacy of Aluminum Weave Jackets in Reducing Thermal Load During High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise

Abstract

2131 Limiting the rise in core temperature during exercise can have important effects on the health, safety and work/athletic performance of individuals. Aluminum weave materials have been shown to reflect 50 percent of the sun's radiant heat when used as a covering. A high-intensity short duration protocol was chosen to approximate conditions that might be observed in work and athletic situations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of aluminum weave jackets in reducing thermal load during high-intensity intermittent outdoor exercise. METHODS: Eight physically active 19–30 year old males were recruited to participate in this study. Each participant, wearing shorts and a short-sleeve shirt, performed two separate trials, one with an aluminum weave jacket (J) and one without (NJ). Each trial consisted of ten repetitions of 100-meter performed in a 20-meter shuttle format at a speed of 4 meters/second. Each repetition was interspersed with 75 seconds of rest (work:rest, 1:3). During each trial, core temperature (T c), Heart Rate (HR), Thermal Sensation (TS), and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were measured. RESULTS: All trials demonstrated a rise in mean Tc (0.87°C) and increased mean HR (98 bpm) above rest. Final work values for TS (5.8) and RPE (14.8) were also significantly higher than rest. There was no significant difference between J and NJ trials in measures of Tc, HR, TS and RPE. CONCLUSIONS: Aluminum weave jackets did not show a significant improvement in reducing thermal load during high-intensity intermittent exercise. Supported by Xton, Inc.