Evaluating the Performance of American PCM and Iranian Spadana Gel Ice Cooling Vest on the Perceptual and Physiological Strain Score Indexs of Asaluyeh in Iran

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of change phase paraffin cooling vest and Iranian Spadana Cooling Vest on the perceptual strain score index (PeSI),physiological strain score index (PSI)of Asaluyeh in Iran. This cross-sectional interventional study was conducted in 2016 on 90 workers with an identical level of physical activity and uniforms in Asaluyeh, southern Iran .The questionnaires of PeSI, heat strain score index (HSSI)and PSI were also administered to assess the PeSI and the sweating while wearing the vests and in the control group. The WBGT index was measured for 120 min as well, and the checklist of individual strength (CIS) and the comfort assessment questionnaire were filled by the workers too. The repeated measures Test and the statistical analysis software SPSS 21 were used to analyze and compare the data. The WBGT mean index was 37.65°C for all the three groups. The mean scores of PeSI, HSSI, PSI, and CIS in the groups with paraffin change phase cooling vests and Iranian cooling vests had a statistically significant difference compared to the control group (P<0/001). Wearing the paraffin cooling vests and the Iranian cooling vests for 90 min can reduce acceptably and appropriately, the heat stress level of the users by decreasing the oral temperature, the heart rate, and the PeSI value while increasing the CIS score.