Yoon, S., Jeong, I. G., & Pascoe, D. D. (2001). Efficacy of a cooled vest wear on thermal responses during cycling exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 914.

Males (N = 12) wore hydroweave vests (activated with cool tap water) in a hot, relatively humid environment (36 degrees Celsius, 48% relative humidity). Their thermal responses were studied. Responses were compared to a non-vest trial. Exercise was for one hour at a set workload with measurements being taken every 10 minutes.

Heart rate and core temperature were significantly lower for the cooling-vest trial after 50 minutes of exercise when compared to the control condition. Skin temperature reacted much faster, being significantly cooler after 10 minutes. Pre- to post-exercise weight loss was significantly less while comfort was increased in the cooling-vest condition.

Implication. A cooling vest significantly reduces thermal stress when exercising in a hot, humid environment.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.