Thermal sensations & Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Mean thermal sensation ratings for heat stress were not significantly different between the SS and PL trials with both averaging 5.4 on the scale of 0.0 – 8.0. This corresponds to a verbal rating of “warm/hot.” Over the course of the tests, thermal sensations ratings did not differ significantly between SS and PL trials (Figure 1). Thermal sensations ratings at 120 minutes were significantly greater than resting values (p < 0.0001 for both trials).
Mean RPE did not differ significantly between SS and PL trials (12.97 ± 1.27 and 12.86 ± 1.31, respectively). This corresponds to a verbal rating of “somewhat hard.” Over the course of the tests, RPE did not differ significantly between SS and PL trials (Figure 2).