| Keywords |
Navy uniform ; Mobility ; Performance test ; Clothing microclimate ; Humidity sensation |
| Abstract |
The present study was aimed to evaluate the mobility and physiological performance of the current Korean Navy summer uniform with a newly developed Navy summer uniform. Eight young males (22.4±2.4 yr in age) participated in the following investigations: simulated-naval tasks at Tair 30oC and posture analyses at Tair 22oC. The simulated naval tasks consisted of the following five activities sequentially: passing through a low ceiling and an arrow aisle, going up/down stairs, going up/down a straight ladder, walking at 5.5 km·h-1 on a treadmill, and laying down/standing on a portable bed. The results were as follows. No differences were found in blood lactate acid, total sweat rate, and completion time between the old and new uniforms, while clothing microclimate temperature and humidity on the back was greater for the old uniform than for the newly developed uniform (p<.05). For humidity sensation, subjects felt more humid when wearing the old uniform than wearing the new uniform (p<.05). As for the posture test and interviews, the old uniform was evaluated as more uncomfortable and irritating than the new uniform, especially for the upper arms, waist, and front thighs. These results suggest that design requirements to improve the mobility and performance of the old uniform are to improve breathability on the upper back of the shirts, to leave the shirts hanging out over the pants, to enlarge the thigh parts and narrow down the bottom of trousers, and to use elastic materials on the elbow and knee parts. |