Effects of wearing protective clothing on the thermoregulatory characteristics of junior surf lifesavers

Prepubescent children are disadvantaged when exercising in hot environments due to age and maturation related differences when compared to adults. Children produce greater metabolic heat, have a reduced sweating capacity and cardiac output and experience a greater potential for heat influx when ambient temperatures exceed that of the skin. Previous studies investigating thermoregulatory responses of prepubescent children have predominantly explored hot/dry environments with limited research in hot/humid environments or exercising in clothing under any climatic conditions. A unique situation exists for north Queensland surf lifesavers, in which they are compelled to wear full-length protective suits to prevent potentially fatal marine stinger envenomation. This research evaluates the thermoregulatory responses in situ, of prepubescent junior surf lifesavers exercising in hot and humid conditions while wearing tight fitting protective clothing. This research explores the hypothesis that thermoregulatory characteristics of prepubescent surf lifesavers increase while exercising in a hot/humid environment wearing tight fitting protective clothing