Evaluating the Effectiveness of a New Moisture-absorbent Vest in Preventing Heat Strain While Wearing Hospital Isolation Gowns in Climatic Chamber

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a moisture-absorbent vest on reducing heat strain caused by the wearing of gowns by healthcare personnel. Methods: This experimental research was conducted on 20 healthy participants (10 men and 10 women) with a mean (SD) age of 24 ± 2 years and a body mass index of 23.65 ± 1.5 kg/m2. Each participant underwent a 30-min workout on a treadmill in a climatic chamber at 20°C and 30°C and relative humidity of 20–30. Various physiological and perceptual strain indices were measured at each step. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The data analysis revealed that the sweat sensation scores for participants wearing normal clothes, gowns, and gowns with a moisture-absorbent vest at 30°C were 0.65, 2, and 1.49, respectively. At 20°C, the corresponding values were − 1.18, 0.62, and 0.27 (P = 0.036). In addition, there was a significant difference in skin temperature at both 30°C (P = 0.042) and 20°C (P = 0.036). Furthermore, the perceived effort showed a significant difference at 30°C (P = 0.044) and at 20°C (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The findings from this research suggest that the utilization of a moisture-absorbent vest did not have a significant effect on heart rate and oral temperature. However, it revealed a noteworthy impact in terms of reducing perceptual heat strain, skin temperature, perceived effort, and humidity inside the clothes. © 2025 International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering.