PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF TRAINEE FIRE FIGHTERS TO EXERCISE IN THE HEAT.

In a randomised order, five subjects completed five treadmill tests of 25 minutes duration (50% VO2 max, ambient temperature 40°C) wearing standard protective clothing with different overtrousers (OT) on each occasion. Heart rate (HR), VO2 and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded continuously. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and a thermal sensation scale (TS) data were collected during the exercise. HR, RT, RPE and TS increased (P<0.05) throughout exercise, however, there were no significant differences between OT type. Similarly, VO2 displayed no difference between OT type.