This study investigated whether wearing phase change material (PCM) packs made of edible oils, such as coconut oil (CO) and palm oil (PO), after engaging in physical activities can alleviate heat strain in a hot and humid environment. Eleven healthy young males performed a treadmill exercise for 30 min. After the physical activity, the participants underwent resting recovery for 30 min with or without a cooling vest made of either CO- or PO-based PCM packs. Results showed that wearing PCM packs made of edible oils as a personal cooling device significantly reduced tympanic temperature, mean skin temperature, and heart rate during the recovery period. The CO- and PO-based PCM packs also improved perceptual thermal strain during recovery. Hence, PCMs made of edible oils can be used as a cooling device to reduce heat strain and improve comfort after physical work in a hot and humid environment. From the aspects of ergonomics and human factors, the use of CO- and PO-based PCM packs for personal cooling is a viable option for preventing heat-related disorders and maintaining productivity and workers' well-being.

中文翻译：

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食用油作为实用的相变材料，是否可以用于湿热环境下体力劳动后的身体降温？

本研究调查了在进行体育活动后佩戴由椰子油 (CO) 和棕榈油 (PO) 等食用油制成的相变材料 (PCM) 包是否可以缓解湿热环境中的热应变。11 名健康的年轻男性进行了 30 分钟的跑步机运动。体力活动后，参与者在有或没有由 CO 或 PO 基 PCM 包制成的冷却背心的情况下进行 30 分钟的休息恢复。结果表明，佩戴由食用油制成的 PCM 包作为个人冷却装置可显着降低恢复期间的鼓室温度、平均皮肤温度和心率。基于 CO 和 PO 的 PCM 包还改善了恢复过程中的感知热应变。因此，由食用油制成的 PCM 可用作冷却装置，以减少热应变并提高在湿热环境中进行体力劳动后的舒适度。从人体工程学和人为因素的角度来看，使用基于 CO 和 PO 的 PCM 包进行个人冷却是预防与热相关的疾病以及保持生产力和工人福祉的可行选择。