ABSTRACT
The use of base-layer garments in team sports has become widespread in recent years. Different types of garments purport to afford distinct functional properties to the wearer. However, to date the thermoregulatory effects and moisture management properties have yet to be systematically studied. The thermoregulatory response to a ‘base-layer hot’ and ‘base-layer cold’ garment was assessed using an intermittent treadmill protocol and compared to wearing a cotton T-shirt and when bare-chested. The base-layer hot garment purports to keep the wearer comfortably cool during exercise and is typically used in hot conditions, whereas the base-layer cold garment aims to keep the wearer comfortably warm during exercise, and is typically used in cold conditions. Both garments claim to reduce moisture retention as a result of good wicking properties. The aim of the study was to characterise the thermophysical differences between garments typically worn on the field of play under controlled repeatable conditions.
