Published in:
01-11-2008 | Original Article
Spatial differences in sensible and latent heat losses under a bicycle helmet
Authors:
Guido De Bruyne, Jean-Marie Aerts, Georges Van der Perre, Jan Goffin, Ignace Verpoest, Daniel Berckmans
Published in:
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|
Issue 4/2008
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Abstract
This research aims at quantifying spatial gradients in skin temperature and sweat production under a bicycle helmet. Distribution of sweat production, skin temperature and air temperature was measured at different positions under a bicycle helmet on five male and four female test persons. Effort level was 100 and 150 watt for men (low and high effort level) and 80 and 120 W for women (low and high effort level). Skin temperatures were found to be spatially different (P < 0.05): frontal and lateral region varied 4.6°C at low effort level and 5.3°C at high effort level. Sweat production was found to be not significantly different (P > 0.05). Finally, air temperature variations were found to be spatially different (P < 0.05). Average air temperature differed 2.3°C between lateral and frontal region at high effort level and 2.7°C at low effort level. The results of this research can be used to help designing helmets with better thermal comfort.