Physiological effects of outerwear moisture transfer rate during intermittent bicycle exercise

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of outerwear moisture transfer properties on thermoregulatory responses and clothing microclimate conditions during intermittent bicycle exercise in a bioclimatic chamber with/without wind. Nine healthy women in their follicular phase served as participants. Rectal and skin temperatures at seven sites and clothing microclimate conditions between underwear and outerwear at chest and back levels were measured throughout the experimental period. It was found that rectal temperature and clothing microclimate temperature at chest level were significantly affected by the outwear moisture transfer rate. However, clothing microclimate humidity was not significantly affected by the moisture transfer properties. It was concluded that a higher moisture transfer rate inhibits the increase of rectal temperature under the conditions of the experiment. Wind was also found to be a significant contributor in slowing the rise of rectal temperature during exercise.