The effect of different water vapor permeable jackets on moisture management, subjective perceptions and physiological parameters during submaximal exercise in a cool environment

Abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of differences in water vapor permeability (WVP) of outdoor jackets on moisture management, subjective perceptions and physiological parameters under conditions typically encountered in outdoor sports. Four outdoor jackets differing only in their WVP were compared in a repeated measures study. A total of 19 subjects (nine females) were tested in a climatic chamber at 10℃ and 40% relative humidity. The protocol consisted of 15 min of rest, 50 min of treadmill running at 60% of the individual maximal running velocity, and 15 min of passive recovery. We found that jackets featuring greater WVP helped to reduce relative humidity underneath the jacket, resulting in less sweat residue in the clothing system and drier skin during exercise and rest. Subjects were also able to perceive the differences in the microclimate and reported feeling more comfortable and drier in the more permeable jackets. However, WVP did not have a significant effect on oxygen consumption, heart rate, tympanic temperature, overall loss of subjects’ body mass or on perceived exertion. It can be concluded that outdoor jackets with higher WVP benefit moisture management during submaximal exercise in cool temperatures by reducing relative humidity in the clothing system mostly during rest periods. This effect leads to a drier skin which favors perceived comfort and might reduce the after-chill effect. However, WVP of outdoor jackets neither significantly affects physiological responses nor perceived exertion during submaximal exercise in a cool environment.