Perceived Thermal Comfort Of Collegiate Marching Band Artists Completing A Heat Acclimatization Protocol

Participating in a heat acclimatization (HA) protocol is known to decrease exertional heat illness risk. Despite physical demands and wearing uniforms, no established HA protocol exists for marching bands (MB). PURPOSE: To examine perceived thermal comfort during a pilot HA protocol in collegiate MB artists at band camp METHODS:This was a randomized control study using a convenient sample of non-heat acclimatized collegiate MB artists (n = 16, age = 19.5 ± 0.9 years, height = 170.8 ± 9.1 cm, weight = 81.6 ± 17.2 kg). Artists were randomly assigned to control (athletic clothing [shorts, t-shirt]), mock, or uniform groups and completed a 10-day HA protocol starting day 1 of camp. The uniform group gradually increased the number of uniform pieces (bibbers, jacket, shako/hat, gloves). The mock group mimicked uniform heat strain using clothing (athletic pants, jacket, hat). To maintain acclimatization, artists wore full uniform or mock clothing once during a normal rehearsal week. During band camp and the first home football game, MB artist’s perceived level of comfort was assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS) pre- and post-rehearsal (anchors were -3 = cold, -2 = cool, -1 = slightly cool, 0 = neutral, 1 = slightly warm, 2 = warm, 3 = hot). Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis for differences between conditions across days. Ordinal regressions assessed the association of condition and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) to post-activity VAS score. RESULTS: Figure 1 shows median VAS scores between conditions and mean and max WBGT across days. While condition was not a significant predictor, average (χ2 = 45.7, P < .001) and max WBGT (χ2 = 13.5, P < .001) predicted post-VAS score. CONCLUSIONS:To prepare MB artists for the added strain of wearing full uniforms, we developed a HA protocol introducing traditional MB uniforms or clothes. Compared to the control, wearing mock clothing or full uniforms did not significantly add to perceived thermal strain.