2020

Author(s): Matthew N. Cramer, Mu Huang, Gilbert Moralez, and Craig G. Crandall

The present study evaluated whether wearing a water-soaked t-shirt, with or without electric fan use, mitigates thermal and cardiovascular strain in older individuals exposed to hot and moderately humid conditions. NOTEWORTHY: In older individuals exposed to hot and moderately humid environments, electric fan use coupled with a water-soaked t-shirt exacerbates sweat losses without mitigating heat strain compared with a dry t-shirt. However, wearing a water-soaked t-shirt without fan use reduces sweat losses and attenuates heat strain compared with a dry t-shirt and a fan/water-soaked t-shirt combination. These findings suggest wearing a water-soaked t-shirt is an effective heat-management strategy for older individuals during heat waves when air conditioning is inaccessible.