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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/4247

Title: Effects of Hand and Foot Heating on Diver Thermal Balance.
Authors: Weinberg, RP
Thalmann, ED
Keywords: THERMAL PROPERTIES
THERMAL STRESSES
thermal protection
COLD REGIONS
Cold/adverse effects
Immersion
human
HYPERBARIC CONDITIONS
dry suit
wet suit
DIVING SUITS
electric power
BODY TEMPERATURE
NEOPRENE
underwater
hands
fingers
feet
cooling
divers
Issue Date: 1990
Publisher: NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH INST BETHESDA MD
Citation: ADA226430
Abstract: Divers at rest immersed in cold water for long durations wearing passive thermal protection garments are limited by low finger and toe temperatures, which cause pain and numbness before rectal temperatures fall to unsafe levels. It was reasoned that low levels of hand and foot heating might improve diver comfort. Supplemental heating of the hands and feet to maintain finger and toe temperatures between 12 and 18 C (after passive cooling) was employed. A total of 32 divers wearing a dry suit with M-600 Thinsulated undergarments were immersed for periods of up to 8 hours in 3 C water. The divers wore electrical resistance heated gloves and socks over polypropylene liners and under Thinsulated insulation, or warm-water-perfused gloves and socks over polypropylene liners and under foam neoprene insulation. Hands and feet remained dry by communication with the dry suit. Water perfusion rate or electrical power was adjusted to maintain desired digit temperatures. Supplemental heating did not reduce the need for adequate passive whole body thermal insulation for long-duration immersions in cold water. Supplemental heating did reduce hand and foot discomfort at low energy cost, and reduced the decrement in manual dexterity compared to no heating. The low energy cost of resistance heating makes this feasible for immediate use by the Fleet. Keywords: Diving suits; Low temperature; Fingers/feet; Heat balance; Thermal insulation/ underwear; Temperature control; Stress physiology.
Description: Citation Status: Active; Citation Classification: Unclassified; Title Classification: Unclassified; Report Classification: Unclassified; Identifier Classification: Unclassified; Abstract Classification: Unclassified; Distribution Limitation(s): 01 - APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; Information provided by the Department of Defense and the Defense Technical Information Center (http://www.dtic.mil/) is considered public information and may be distributed or copied unless otherwise specified. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested.
Gov't Doc # : ADA226430
NMRI-90-52
URI: http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/4247
Appears in Collections:Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC)

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