ALUMINUM JACKETS DO NOT IMPROVE THERMAL LOAD IN HIGH-INTENSITY INTERMITTENT EXERCISE

Kovacs, M. S., Strecker, E., Smith, J. W., & Pascoe, D. D. (2004). Efficacy of aluminum weave jackets in reducing thermal load during high-intensity intermittent exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(5), Supplement 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” (p. S313). The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of aluminum weave jackets in reducing thermal load during high-intensity intermittent outdoor exercise. Physically active males (N = 8) wore shorts and a short-sleeve shirt, performed two separate trials, one with an aluminum weave jacket and one without. Each trial consisted of 10 repetitions of 100-meter performed in a 20-m shuttle format at a speed of 4 m/s. Each repetition was interspersed with 75 seconds of rest (work:rest, 1:3). During each trial, core temperature, heart rate, thermal sensation, and rating of perceived exertion were measured.

All trials demonstrated a rise in mean core temperature and increased mean heart rate above rest. Final work values for thermal sensation and rating of perceived exertion were also significantly higher than rest. There were no significant differences between the jacket and no-jacket trials in measures of any variable.

Implication. Aluminum weave jackets did not show a significant improvement in reducing thermal load during high-intensity intermittent exercise.

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