Cold Exposure, Hypothermia, Thermal Insulation, Immersion Suits, Submarine Evacuation
Conditions
Brief summary
This study evaluated the thermal and functional performance of full-body versus half-body Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment (SEIE) suits during cold water immersion (\ 16.5°C) and raft sitting. Twenty submariners were divided into two groups.
Detailed description
This study investigates the performance of full-body versus half-body Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment (SEIE) suits under conditions simulating submarine emergencies in cold water (\ 16.5°C). In such scenarios, rapid evacuation and prolonged exposure to cold water pose significant risks of hypothermia and impaired physical function. The aim was to assess and compare the thermal insulation and motor performance effects of both suit designs during water immersion and raft sitting. Twenty healthy active-duty submariners (age 22 ± 1 years) participated, divided evenly into two groups (full suit vs. half suit). Core temperature was monitored using ingestible sensors, and subjective cold sensation was assessed regularly throughout immersion and raft sitting. Additional outcome measures included fine motor dexterity (assembling shackles) and handgrip strength, recorded before and after exposure. The experimental protocol involved one session per participant. Anthropometric data were collected, and subjects underwent a controlled immersion and raft sitting protocol using calibrated thermal equipment. Motor function tasks were standardized and repeated to control for learning effects. Statistical analysis included non-parametric repeated measures tests with appropriate corrections for multiple comparisons.
Interventions
DEVICESubmariner suit
Participants wearing full-body Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment (SEIE) suits
Sponsors
Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Healthy active-duty submariners Male participants aged 20-25 years No history of cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological disorders Not acclimatized to cold environments or cold water exposure Provided written informed consent Medically cleared for cold water immersion by a physician prior to participation -
Exclusion criteria
History of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders Regular exposure to cold environments or cold water (cold-acclimatized individuals) Use of medications that could affect thermoregulation or neuromuscular function Any skin conditions that may be aggravated by cold water immersion Inability to provide informed consent Failure to pass pre-exposure medical examination by a study physician \-
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Core temperature | two hours | Core temp. measured with telemetric pills |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Subjective cold sensation - | two hours | Assessed using a standardized cold discomfort scale during immersion and raft sitting. |
Countries
Israel
Outcome results
None listed