Thermoregulatory Capacity of Evaporative Fabric Worn Under Shin Guards

Abstract

The purpose of this experimental study was to determine the thermoregulatory capacity and thermal comfort of evaporative fabric during exercise. Six female college-aged subjects exercised at 70% of ther VO2 max for 15 minutes while wearing shin guards on both shins, but one shin was covered by evaporative fabric under the shin guard. The results showed that the evaporative fabric produced a greater shin temperature and mass of non-evaporated sweat than the shin dressed in only a shin guard. However, when asked to rate each shin condition subjectively, the evaporative fabric was perceived to be cooler and dryer. It was concluded that wearing evaporative fabrics under shin guards does not improve thermoregulation, despite a perception of enhanced thermal comfort.