Comparative Evaluation of the Thermal Protection Provided by Submarine Rescue Suits: Half Suit Versus Full Suit

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Total Enrollment

20 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2018-03-01

Study Completion Date

2024-12-01

Brief Summary

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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.

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Detailed Description

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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.

Conditions

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Cold Exposure, Hypothermia, Thermal Insulation, Immersion Suits, Submarine Evacuation

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

COHORT

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

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Full Suit Group

Participants wearing full-body Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment (SEIE) suits

Submariner suit

Intervention Type DEVICE

Participants wearing full-body Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment (SEIE) suits

Half Suit Group

Participants wearing half-body Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment (SEIE) suits

Submariner suit

Intervention Type DEVICE

Participants wearing full-body Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment (SEIE) suits

Interventions

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Submariner suit

Participants wearing full-body Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment (SEIE) suits

Intervention Type DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

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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

\-

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

35 Years

Eligible Sex

MALE

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes