ABSTRACT
This study aims to test and validate a software—the HuTheReg (Human Thermal Regulation) program—that simulates the human body thermophysiological response during intense activities. Emphasis will be given to the identification and analysis of the effectiveness of cooling techniques able to mitigate the risk of heat stress by hyperthermia. Different activity levels, exposure periods, types of clothing and alternative techniques for recovery of body temperatures are considered. The validation of the software is performed by comparing its results with experimental data from the literature. To assess the compliance level of the HuTheReg program statistical analysis was performed. Within the range of situations analyzed in the present paper, no limitations were found to the applicability of the software, despite differences that were acknowledge. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the usefulness and applicability of the software to predict the thermophysiological behavior of firefighters.
