Evaluation of the Performance of the Phase Change Cooling Vest on the Heat Strain and Cognitive Indices of Women during the Use of Protective Clothing (Gown) in Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of protective clothing (gown) has increased contributing to heat stress in users. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the phase-change cooling vest containing sodium sulfate hydrate on heat strain and cognitive indices of women during the use of protective clothing (gown) in laboratory conditions. Methods: In this study, 16 women participants underwent three stages: baseline (without gown and cooling vest), gown only, and gown with cooling vest. They walked on a treadmill at a speed of 2 kilometers per hour for 30 minutes to assess and compare physiological and cognitive parameters during the stages. Sweat rate, temperature and relative humidity inside the clothes, perception of skin wetness, thermal sensation, physiological strain index, skin temperature, heart rate, mental fatigue, the level of attention, and reaction time were measured in the three stages. Findings: The mean difference in thermal sensation between the baseline and gown/cooling vest condition was 0.58, and between gown-only and gown/cooling vest was 1.23, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Additionally, the mean difference in temperature inside the clothes 0.60° C, perception of skin wetness 0.74, thermal discomfort 0.44, skin temperature 0.35° C, and level of attention was-0.29 more in gown condition than in the gown/vest condition (P < 0.05). A significant difference was observed between the average of reaction time in gown-only and gown/vest conditions. Conclusion: Wearing a cooling vest containing sodium sulfate hydrate phase-change material along with an isolation gown in healthcare settings reduces heat-induced physiological and perceived strain in users. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.