A comparison of Lotens foot model and data from subjects: the use of boot insulation measured with thermal foot model in calculations

Summary, in English

A model for foot skin temperature prediction was evaluated on the basis of an experiment on subjects at -10.7 °C (light seated manual work) with winter boots. Insulation of the footwear was measured on a thermal foot model. The predicted temperature stayed higher for the whole exposure period and the difference between the predicted and the measured foot skin temperatures grew proportionally with time, while subsequent warm-up curves at room temperature were almost parallel. Predicted and measured data showed a good correlation (r=0.95). However, the paired t-test showed significant differences between measured and predicted foot skin temperatures. When the insulation values were reduced for wetting and walking, then the t-test did not show the differences any more.

The insulation values from thermal foot measurements can be used in the model calculations. Lotens’ foot model is using the blood flow as heat input parameter for feet (effect through Tcore). The Lotens foot model can give reasonable foot skin temperature values if the model limitations are considered. It could be useful to develop the model further by taking into consideration various wetness levels and activity change.

• Author: Kalev Kuklane; Ingvar Holmér; George Havenith
• Editor: James A. Hodgdon; Jay H. Heaney; Michael J. Buono
• Publishing year: 1999
• Language: English
• Pages: 407-410
• Publication/Series: Environmental Ergonomics
• Volume: VIII
• Document type: Conference paper
• Topic: Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics
• Conference name: The 8th International Conference on Environmental Ergonomics (ICEE 8)
• Conference date: 1998-10-18 - 1998-10-23
• Conference place: San Diego, California, United States
• Status: Published
• Research group: Thermal Environment Laboratory
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISBN: 0-9666953-1-3