TY - JOUR
T1 - Perceptual strain index for heat strain assessment in an experimental study
T2 - An application to construction workers
AU - Yang, Y.
AU - Chan, Albert P.C.
N1 - Funding Information:
This project is funded by a grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China ( RGC Project No. PolyU5107/11E ). The research team is indebted to the technical support from technicians of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In particular, the participation of volunteers in this study is gratefully acknowledged. This paper forms part of the research project titled “Anti-heat stress clothing for construction workers in hot and humid weather”, from which other deliverables will be produced with different objectives/scopes but sharing common background and methodology. The authors also wish to acknowledge the contributions of other team members including Prof Francis Wong, Dr Michael Yam, Dr Daniel Chan, Dr Edmond Lam, Dr Del Wong, Prof Li Yi, Dr YP Guo, Dr WF Song, Dr Yi Wen, Dr Esther Cheung, and Prof Joanne Chung.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2014 Elsevier Ltd.
PY - 2015/2/1
Y1 - 2015/2/1
N2 - Although the physiological strain index (PhSI) is universal and comprehensive, its restrictions are recognized in terms of invasive on-site measurements and the requirement of accurate instruments. The perceptual strain index (PeSI) has been proposed as a user-friendly and practical indicator for heat strain. However, the application of this index in assessing the heat strain of construction workers has yet to be examined and documented. This study aims to ascertain the reliability and applicability of PeSI in an experimental setting that simulates a stressful working environment (i.e., environment, work uniform, and work pace) experienced by construction workers. Ten males and two females performed intermittent exercise on a treadmill while wearing a summer work uniform at 34.5. °C and 75% relative humidity in a climatic chamber. Physiological parameters (core temperature, heart rate) and perceptual variables (thermal sensation, perceived exertion) were collated synchronously at 3. min intervals. The results of two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (clothing×time) revealed that the PeSI was useful in differentiating the heat strain levels between different work uniforms. Not only did the PeSI change in the same general manner with the PhSI, but it was also powerful in reflecting different levels of physiological strain. Thus, the PeSI offers considerable promise for heat strain assessment under simulated working conditions.
AB - Although the physiological strain index (PhSI) is universal and comprehensive, its restrictions are recognized in terms of invasive on-site measurements and the requirement of accurate instruments. The perceptual strain index (PeSI) has been proposed as a user-friendly and practical indicator for heat strain. However, the application of this index in assessing the heat strain of construction workers has yet to be examined and documented. This study aims to ascertain the reliability and applicability of PeSI in an experimental setting that simulates a stressful working environment (i.e., environment, work uniform, and work pace) experienced by construction workers. Ten males and two females performed intermittent exercise on a treadmill while wearing a summer work uniform at 34.5. °C and 75% relative humidity in a climatic chamber. Physiological parameters (core temperature, heart rate) and perceptual variables (thermal sensation, perceived exertion) were collated synchronously at 3. min intervals. The results of two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (clothing×time) revealed that the PeSI was useful in differentiating the heat strain levels between different work uniforms. Not only did the PeSI change in the same general manner with the PhSI, but it was also powerful in reflecting different levels of physiological strain. Thus, the PeSI offers considerable promise for heat strain assessment under simulated working conditions.
KW - Heat strain
KW - Perceptual strain index
KW - Physiological strain index
KW - Summer work uniform
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84919918122&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2014.12.007
DO - 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2014.12.007
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 25660626
SN - 0306-4565
VL - 48
SP - 21
EP - 27
JO - Journal of Thermal Biology
JF - Journal of Thermal Biology
ER -