METHODS
Twelve participants from Stephen F. Austin State University voluntarily
participated in this research study. All participants were, mean age 22.5 (SD 3.18) years,
SFA male students enrolled in Kinesiology and Health Science courses. Approval for
this study was obtained from the SFA Institutional Review Board in compliance with the
university's standards for conducting research with human participants. Prior to the
study, each participant completed a Human Subject Consent Form. The Physical Activity
Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) was completed in order to rule out any health risks.
This investigation utilized various instruments that test and measure physiological
factors and how they relate to thermal sensation in a hot and humid environment. An
exercise test treadmill (Quinton Treadmill 5400) connected to a Vista Mini-CPX
TurboFit 5.08 met-cart was used to determine participants V02max (Borg, and Kaijser,
2006). The environmental chamber in the Exercise Physiology Lab was used during
testing to set a standard of heat and humidity. During testing trials, a rectal thermometer
(Columbus Instruments, Iso Thermex Electronic Thermometer, 0109-005M) was used to
accurately record and observe core temperature. Heart rate was monitored by polar
watches and straps that the participants wore during testing trials. A wet bulb globe
thermometer was used to measure ambient heat, humidity, and radiant stress from direct
light (Howe and Boden, 2007). The OTSS and RTS were used to assess thermal