Evaluating the comfort of use of protective footwear: Validation of a method based on microclimate parameters and peripheral blood flow

摘要

The paper presents validation evidence for a method of evaluating the comfort of use of protective footwear based on microclimate parameters and peripheral blood flow in the lower limbs. A study involving impedance plethysmography showed that the inherent construction characteristics of protective footwear hinder heat diffusion and moisture removal, influencing peripheral blood flow in the lower limbs. The temperature and relative humidity inside the footwear, the weight of secreted sweat, and the weight of the support textiles (socks and liners) were measured and compared to the plethysmographic parameters. The components of measurement uncertainty were carefully determined for each studied parameter and uncertainty budgets were created. These results were subsequently used to identify measurement errors that could affect the quality and reliability of laboratory tests. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.