Abstract
There is a need to rapidly screen individuals for heat strain and fever using skin temperature (Tsk) as an index of deep body temperature (Tb). This study’s aim was to assess whether Tsk could serve as an accurate and valid index of Tb during a simulated heatwave. Seven participants maintained a continuous schedule over 9-days, in 3-day parts; pre-/post-HW (25.4 °C), simulated-HW (35.4 °C). Contact thermistors measured Tsk (Tforehead, Tfinger); radio pills measured gastrointestinal temperature (Tgi). Proximal-distal temperature gradients (ΔTforehead–finger) were also measured. Measurements were grouped into ambient conditions: 22, 25, and 35 °C. Tgi and Tforehead only displayed a significant relationship in 22 °C (r: 0.591; p < 0.001) and 25 °C (r: 0.408; p < 0.001) conditions. A linear regression of all conditions identified Tforehead and ΔTforehead–finger as significant predictors of Tgi (r2: 0.588; F: 125.771; p < 0.001), producing a root mean square error of 0.26 °C. Additional residual analysis identified Tforehead to be responsible for a plateau in Tgi prediction above 37 °C. Contact Tforehead was shown to be a statistically suitable indicator of Tgi in non-HW conditions; however, an error of ~1 °C makes this physiologically redundant. The measurement of multiple sites may improve Tb prediction, though it is still physiologically unsuitable, especially at higher ambient temperatures.
Highlights
Two principal methods have been proposed to predict deep body temperature (Tb )from the measurement of heat loss from the skin surface
The proximal–distal skin temperature gradient (∆Tsk P-D) reflects perfusion of distal sites and may indicate whether the elevated temperature is due to heat strain or fever, the former causing peripheral vasodilatation, and the latter vasoconstriction
In view of increasing reliance on the prediction of Tb from Tsk, the present study evaluated whether contact measurements of Tsk can provide a suitable surrogate for direct measurement of Tb ; for the purpose of screening workers for SARs-coefficient of variation (CoV)-2 virus infection and impending heat strain during summer HW
Summary
Two principal methods have been proposed to predict deep body temperature (Tb )from the measurement of heat loss from the skin surface. The second is a non-contact method, monitoring radiative heat loss with infrared thermography. Common to both methods are their inaccuracy in estimating absolute Tb. Mekjavic and Tipton [2] concluded the prediction of Tb from one skin region, namely the forehead, is inaccurate, resulting in false positives and negatives. Mekjavic and Tipton [2] concluded the prediction of Tb from one skin region, namely the forehead, is inaccurate, resulting in false positives and negatives They suggest that other facial sites, such as the inner canthus of the eye, may prove superior to forehead skin temperature (Tsk ). The proximal–distal skin temperature gradient (∆Tsk P-D) reflects perfusion of distal sites and may indicate whether the elevated temperature is due to heat strain or fever, the former causing peripheral vasodilatation, and the latter vasoconstriction
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