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Publication AbstractsIndividual Thermal Profiles as a Basis for Comfort Improvement in Space and Other EnvironmentsV. S. Koscheyev, A. Coca, G. R. Leon, and M. J. DancisakAviat Space Environ Med 2002; 73:1195-1202 AbstractBackground: The development of individualized countermeasures to address problems in thermoregulation is of considerable importance for humans in space and other extreme environments. A methodology is presented for evaluating minimal/maximal heat flux from the total human body and specific body zones, and for assessing individual differences in the efficiency of heat exchange from these body areas. The goal is to apply this information to the design of individualized protective equipment. Methods: A multi-compartment conductive plastic tubing liquid cooling/warming garment (LCWG) was developed. Inlet water temperatures of 8-45°C were imposed sequentially to specific body areas while the remainder of the garment was maintained at 33°C. Results: There were significant differences in heat exchange level among body zones in both the 8° and 45°C temperature conditions (p < 0.001). The greatest amount of heat was absorbed/released by the following areas: thighs (8°C: -2.12 ± 0.14 kcal · min-1; 45°C: +1.58 ± 0.23); torso (8°C: -2.12 ± 0.13 kcal · min-1; 45°C: +1.31 ± 0.27); calves (8°C: -1.59 ± 0.26 kcal · min-1; 45°C: +1.53 ± 0.24); and forearms (8°C: -1.67 ± 0.29 kcal · min-1; 45°C: +1.45 ± 0.20). These are primarily zones with relatively large muscle mass and adipose tissue. Calculation of absorption/release heat rates standardized per unit tube length and flow rate instead of zonal surface area covered showed that there was significantly greater heat transfer in the head, hands, and feet (p < 0.001). The areas in which there was considerable between-subject variability in rates of heat transfer and thus most informative for individual profile design were the torso, thighs, shoulders, and calves or forearms. Conclusions: The methodology developed is sensitive to individual differences in the process of heat exchange and variations in different body areas, depending on their size and tissue mass content. The design of individual thermal profiles is feasible for better comfort of astronauts on long-duration missions and personnel in other extreme environments.Keywords: thermoregulation, heat transfer efficiency, extreme environments. Information on subscribing, and on obtaining copies of an article or of an entire issue. Table of Contents for Volume 73, Number 12 of the ASEM journal.
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