Effect of Phase Change Material Cooling Vests on Body Thermoregulation and Thermal Comfort of Patients With Paraplegia: A Human Subject Experimental Study

Study design Randomized experimental study. Objective Compared to able-bodied people, patients with paraplegia due thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) are at an increased risk of heat illnesses during exercise impaired thermoregulatory responses. To overcome this limitation, we investigated the performance three phase change material (PCM) cooling vests different melting temperatures (Eijsvogels, #49) and coverage area trunk. Methods Sixteen participants were divided into groups according their level. All tested for V20 full vest (20°C Tm, 75% coverage). Mid-thoracic high-thoracic V14 (14°C T m , The mid-thoracic group was half 50% performed a 30-min arm-crank followed by recovery period inside controlled hot climatic chamber. heart rate, segmental skin (T ), core temperature ) values recorded, subjective questionnaires taken. Results no (NV) test, all showed effective decrease in However, not enough induce significant groups. low-thoracic reduction increasing end period. Finally, level thermal comfort enhanced Conclusion effectiveness persons is dependent on thus ratio sensate insensate skin. Future studies necessitate investigation effects PCM lower Tm larger sample size.