The impact of activity level on sweat accumulation and thermal comfort using different underwear

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of work level and sweat production for the total amount accumulated and the location of the sweat in a three-layer ensemble as a function of material and textile construction. Furthermore, it was also an aim to investigate how this influenced thermoregulatory responses and thermal comfort during work and during a rest period. Long-legged/long-sleeved underwear manufactured from two different 100% fibre-type materials, polypropylene and wool, was tested as part of a three-layer clothing system. The underwear manufactured from 100% polypropylene was tested in two different knit constructions, a 1-by-1 rib knit and a fishnet structure, and the woollen underwear in a 1-by-1 rib knit construction. The test was performed on eight male subjects (Ta = 10 degrees C, RH = 85%, Va < 0.1 m/s), and comprised a twice-repeated bout of 40-min cycle exercise followed by 20 min rest. Each subject conducted two tests with the work level approximating 30% VO2 max and 40% VO2 max, respectively. Skin temperatures, rectal temperature, weight loss and humidity near the skin were recorded during the test. Total changes in body and clothing weight were measured separately. Furthermore, subjective ratings on thermal comfort and on sensation of temperature and humidity were collected. The results demonstrated that high heat and sweat production during work periods, leading to increased sweat accumulation, will give higher thermal discomfort ratings for rest periods as well as for work periods compared to intermittent work with lower work intensities. Distribution of accumulated sweat in the clothing ensemble after heavy sweating is dependent on the fibre type in the underwear. Further, it can be concluded that underwear construction clearly has an influence on the evaporation rate in a three-layer ensemble during work at a high activity level.