U.S. Department of Defense
Date of this Version
2013
Citation
Journal of Thermal Biology 38 (2013) 305–310; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2013.03.010
Abstract
Physical work, high ambient temperature and wearing protective clothing can elevate body temperature and cardiovascular strain sufficiently to degrade performance and induce heat-related illnesses. We have recently developed an Arm Immersion Cooling System (AICS) for use in military training environments and this paper will review literature supporting such an approach and provide details regarding its construction. Extremity cooling in cooler cold water can accelerate body (core temperature) cooling from 0.2 to1.0°C/10min vs. control conditions, depending on the size/surface area of the extremity immersed. Arm immersion up to the elbow results in greater heat loss than hand-or foot-only immersion and may reduce cardiovascular strain by lowering heart rate by10–25 beats/min and increase work tolerance time by up to 60%. The findings from studies in this paper support the use of AICS prototypes, which have been incorporated as part of the heat stress mitigation procedures employed in US Army Ranger Training and may have great application for sports and occupational use.