Effects of a Cooling Vest on Core and Skin Temperature Following a Heat Stress Trial in Healthy Males

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a cooling vest on core body temperature following active dehydration and hyperthermia induced by exercising in a hot, humid environment. Based on our study, we recommend the ClimaTech HeatShield only when athletes present with mild symptoms of heat exhaustion. Fluid replacement and the prevention of heat illness have been prevalent topics in recent athletic training literature (Bailes, Cantu, & Day, 2002). Incidences of fatal collapse or heat illness in athletes have brought this topic to the forefront in the field of athletic training (Bailes et al., 2002). An inherent risk of dehydration and heat illness exists in physically active individuals, particularly when performing in hot, humid environments (Binkley, Becket, Casa, Kleiner, & Plummer, 2002). An athletic trainer’s ability to recognize and manage heat-related emergencies is crucial in preventing a catastrophic event. Exertional heatstroke, the most serious heat illness, is a life-threatening medical emergency characterized by progressive weakness, fatigue, and hyperthermia (Armstrong, 2000). Elevated core body temperature is common in individuals exercising in a hot, humid environment and could potentially lead to a dangerous condition of exertional hyperthermia (Clapp, Bishop, Muir, & Walker, 2001). Numerous researchers (Binkley et al., 2002; Germain, Jobin, & Cabanac, 1987; Weiner & Khogali, 1980) have investigated the best methods of rapidly cooling core body temperature in order to determine the most effective method for athletic trainers and other health professionals to utilize in an emergency situation. Differentiating between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is imperative in determining the proper care and management of a potentially fatal circumstance. Heat exhaustion is the most common type of heat illness (Binkley et al., 2002) and is commonly defined as the inability to continue exercise in the heat (Armstrong, 2000; Binkley et al., 2002). Heat exhaustion is characterized by pallor, fainting, weakness, dizziness, headache, and a core body temperature that ranges between 36 C and 40 C (Binkley et al., 2002). Heat stroke, however, can be distinguished from heat exhaustion by the presence of a dangerously high core body temperature (rectal temperature higher than 40.0 C), or hyperthermia (Armstrong, 2000). With heat stroke, the presence of other signs and symptoms associated with organ system failure due to the hyperthermia is also evident (Armstrong, 2000). Controversy exists regarding the most effective means of rapidly cooling hyperthermia associated with heat stroke. To date, ice water immersion is considered to be the gold standard for treating hyperthermia and heat stroke. Aside from conventional cooling methods, such as ice packs or ice water immersion, a myriad of adjunctive cooling modalities have emerged into the athletic and industrial realms. Some of these cooling methods include water spray, warm air spray, face fanning, helicopter rotary blade downdraft, whole-body liquid cooling garments, head cooling units, cooling vests, ice packs or towels, cold water immersion, and ice water immersion (Clapp et al., 2001; Clements et al., 2002; Corcoran, 2002; Costrini, 1990; Desruelle & Candas, 2000; Germain et al., 1987; Weiner & Khogali, 1980). Determining the effectiveness of these