Accuracy of a Commercially Available Telemetry System to Measure Core Temperatureduring Exercise when Wearing Chemical Protective Clothing

摘要

Core temperature was measured by an esophageal thermistor and by an ingestibletelemetry pill (Cortemp(Trademark), Human Technologies Inc., St. Petersburg, FL) during moderate exercise in women wearing a chemical protective clothing ensemble with a high thermal resistance (RT, 0.4 m-2.K-1.W-1). Telemetry pills were calibrated against a Hewlett Packard(Trademark) quartz thermometer the day prior to ingestion. Telemetry pills were ingested two hours before testing; pill ingestion was followed by a light meal. The esophageal thermistor was inserted to a length that was 25% of the standing height and adjusted to a previously determined 'hot spot'. Resting esophageal temperature (Tes) averaged 37.11+/-0.21 deg C and resting pill temperature (Tpill) averaged 37.17+/-0.27 deg C. The combination of exercise (225+/-30 W.m-2), clothing and ambient temperature (Ta = 30 deg C) caused Tes to increase to an average of 38.67+/-0.28 deg C and Tpill to increase to an average of 38.71+/-0.33 deg C during the hour of treadmill walling. The two temperature measurements were compared by least squares regression techniques. For the eight individual experiments run, the regression coefficient (r) averaged 0.98+/-0.01. The calibrated temperature sensor ingested in these experiments provided accurate, usable core temperature data during logistically difficult experimental conditions.