Field study on the effects of the fan mode, WBGT, and exercise intensity on post-exercise dynamic thermal responses in summer

• Published in: Building and environment Vol. 262; p. 111795
• Main Authors: Wang, Wei, Li, Jin, Zhou, Yanqiong, Lai, Zhiyong, Chen, Xi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.08.2024
• Subjects: Dynamic thermal response; Fan mode; Field survey; High metabolic rate; Preferred air speed; Preferred air speed; Fan mode; Field survey; Dynamic thermal response; High metabolic rate
• DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111795
• ISSN: 0360-1323

Exercisers often feel noticeable thermal discomfort and heat stress after exercising in summer, and this feeling can be relieved by the cooling effect of a fan. However, the effects of the fan mode, exercise intensity, and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) on post-exercise dynamic thermal responses (PDTRs) are unclear. A field study on the PDTRs of subjects exercising at three intensities, including free throws (3.5 met), layups (5.0 met), and full-court dribble shuttle runs (7.0 met), was conducted in a naturally ventilated gymnasium in Guangzhou, China, during the summer of 2021. Environmental and physiological data and the subjective responses, including thermal sensation vote, thermal acceptability vote, and sweat feeling index, were collected under three fan modes [without a fan (NO FAN), fixed-speed fan (FS FAN), and personally controlled fan speed (PC FAN)]. The findings demonstrate that the fan mode had the largest impact on the post-exercise mean skin temperature (mTskin) and TAV, followed by exercise intensity and WBGT. Exercise intensity had the most significant effect on the TSV and SFI, followed by the fan mode and WBGT. Usage of fan ensured post-exercise thermal safety (mTskin ≤ 35 °C), significantly improving the PDTRs and shortening the recovery durations. The PC FAN mode had the largest influence on the TAV. Regression models between the WBGT and mean preferred air speed after exercise were established. This study improves the understanding of PDTRs under high metabolic rates and the effect of air movement on exercisers' thermal discomfort and heat stress after exercising. •A field study on post-exercise dynamic thermal responses for three fan modes are conducted in summer.•Appropriate physical intensity, timely hydration, and fan use prevent post-exercise overheating.•Fan use after exercise and low WBGT assure thermal safety and shorten thermal responses recovery.•Regression models between WBGT and preferred air speed after exercise are established.