Men's lacrosse protective equipment increases strain during exercise in the heat

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine thermoregulatory and cardiovascular effects of wearing men's lacrosse protective equipment during simulated lacrosse activities in the heat.DesignWe conducted a randomized, controlled, crossover study.MethodsThirteen healthy men (22 ± 3 y, 76.2 ± 8.9 kg, 181 ± 6 cm, 16.06 ± 6.16% body fat) completed two matched exercise trials in the heat (WBGT: 25.5 ± 0.8 °C). In randomized order, participants donned full men's lacrosse equipment (helmet, shoulder/elbow pads, and gloves) in one trial while the other included no equipment. Participants completed a topography body scan to determine specific body surface area covered with equipment. Rectal temperature (T_re), heart rate (HR), and mean weighted skin temperature (T_sk) were measured throughout trials. Whole body sweat rate was assessed for trial comparisons.ResultsThe equipment covered 32.62 ± 2.53% body surface area in our participants. Post-exercise T_re was significantly greater with equipment (39.36 ± 0.04 °C) compared to control (38.98 ± 0.49 °C; p = .007). The overall rate of rise of T_re was significantly greater with equipment (0.043 ± 0.015 °C·min⁻¹) compared to control (0.031 ± 0.008 °Cmin⁻¹; p = .041). Regardless of time point, HR and T_sk were significantly elevated with equipment compared to control trial (p ≤ .026). Sweat rates were elevated with equipment (1.76 ± 0.74 L·h⁻¹) compared to shorts and t-shirt (1.13 ± 0.26 L·h⁻¹), but this difference was not significant (p = .058).ConclusionsOur data indicate impairments in heat dissipation and increased cardiovascular strain imposed by men's lacrosse equipment.