A suit calorimeter for energy balance studies on humans during heavy exercise

Leif Hambræus*, Anders Mikael Sjödin, Paul Webb, Anders Forslund, Katarina Hambræus, Torkel Hambræus

*Corresponding author for this work
14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A modification of the suit calorimeter originally developed in 1972 was used in combination with indirect respiratory calorimetry. The modification included increased cooling capacity of the suit by means of an increased density of cooling tubes and a variable water flow pump which permitted higher flow rates. This has made the suit calorimeter a very effective heat exchanger that could be used for studies on high energy turnover during heavy exercise. Furthermore, specially designed absorption clothing made it possible to collect any sweat produced before it evaporated, thus minimizing potential error in measuring evaporative heat loss. The suit calorimeter would seem to offer a valuable tool in the analysis of the specific thermogenic responses to dietary changes and physical activity in studies on energy and protein metabolism and their interaction in humans. It also makes it possible to perform direct calorimetric measurements in metabolic balance studies using continuous parenteral infusion since the subjects do not need to be sealed in a calorimeter chamber.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology
Volume68
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)68-73
Number of pages6
ISSN0301-5548
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1994
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Calorimetry
  • Energy expenditure
  • Exercise
  • Heat loss
  • Sweating

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