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Thermal comfort following immersion.
Julien Guéritée1, Bernard Redortier2, James R House3
1University of Portsmouth, Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Portsmouth, UK.
Physiology & Behavior
|December 9, 2014
Summary
Thermal comfort during water sports is under-researched. This study found that thermal comfort improved after swimming, even as skin temperature continued to drop, suggesting adaptation plays a role.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Physiology
- Sports Science
- Human Thermal Comfort
Background:
- Limited research exists on thermal comfort during water sports compared to terrestrial activities.
- Understanding thermal comfort in aquatic environments is crucial for athlete performance and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of swimming and subsequent cooling in air on thermal comfort.
- To explore the physiological responses influencing thermal comfort in water sports participants.
Main Methods:
- Volunteers underwent swimming-and-resting cycles in 28°C water.
- Post-immersion, participants were exposed to 24°C air with wind, either at rest or stepping.
- Thermal comfort and skin temperature were continuously monitored.
Main Results:
- Thermal comfort was significantly higher during swimming than during resting periods.
- Following peak discomfort post-immersion, thermal comfort improved in most tests despite continued skin cooling.
- Improved thermal comfort occurred even when mean skin temperature was lower than during maximal discomfort.
Conclusions:
- Post-exercise cooling in air can lead to improved thermal comfort despite decreasing skin temperature.
- Adaptation of thermoreceptors or reduced cooling rates may explain the enhanced comfort.
- The subjective relief from prior discomfort influences perceived thermal comfort levels.
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