Wearer Trials: Background
An independent study of three sports garments including the Graphene-Wear™ prototype garments was conducted at University of Gloucestershire.
The aim of the study was to explore the thermal and moisture management properties of three different semi-fitted, long-sleeved, baselayer tops when worn during exercise, and to assess the wearers’ perception and comfort levels whilst wearing the garments.
Trial subjects performed, in a random order, a submaximal effort treadmill run (70% VO2 Max) for a set duration of 50 minutes whilst wearing one of the trial garments. Body mass, garment mass, urine osmolality levels, heart rate, blood samples and internal core temperature were collected/measured every 10 minutes.
This was repeated for each garment after a time interval of at least 3 days.
Core Temperature: Lowest Increase
Wearing the Graphene-Wear™ garment, subjects recorded the lowest overall increase in core temperature of 3.45% pre-to-post of the sub-maximal exercise.
Core temperature only decreased between measurement intervals when wearing the Graphene-Wear™ garment.
Heat is created as a byproduct of exercise and is expelled via increased blood flow and sweating, with any excess heat being stored. Significant increases in core temperature are accompanied by an increase in cardiovascular strain, fatigue, and performance decline meaning that thermal management is vital.
Surface Temperature: Greatest Relative Decrease
During the study, the average surface temperature readings decreased for all garment torsos regions pre-to-post-study, with the Graphene-Wear™ treated garment showing the greatest relative decrease. This shows a possible correlation to the surface temperature of the garment and the maintenance of optimal core temperature.