Investigating the effect of clothing layers and their frictional properties on metabolic rate
Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: The effects of protective clothing (PPC) on metabolic rate were investigated \nin the first study of this thesis. Significant increases in the metabolic cost of \nwork were found wearing a range of PPC and a number of suggestions put \nforward, following observations from the study and the literature, as to the \npossible factors that might be contributing to this increase. Subsequently \nweight and its distribution on the waist and limbs was studied, with results \nsuggesting that the weight of the protective garments would have had an \neffect on the metabolic rate. However the results from the weight study \ncould not account for all of the metabolic rate increases recorded in the PPC \ngarments, unless it would be assumed all weight was located at the wrists \nand ankles, which seems rather unrealistic. \n \nAnother concept suggested by a number of authors who also found similar \nincreases in energy cost / oxygen consumption in PPC is that of a friction \ndrag between layers, frictional resistance as one layer slides over another \nduring movement. Despite being mentioned in the discussion and \nconclusions of a number of papers only one study has been found on the \ncontribution of clothing friction and its effects on performance. However the \nstudy predominantly looked at task performance measures rather than \nenergy cost / metabolic rate.
Authors: Lucy E. Dorman, George Havenith
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2310093527