Improvement of thermophysiological comfort of athletes based on thermographic evaluation of sportswear material

Abstract

Thermography is a widely used method of measuring surface temperature and its distribution. It is based on the measurement of the radiation intensity in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared thermography is applicable in all spheres of human activity because it broadens the world's view and irreversibly changes the notion of space that surrounds us. One of the important issues in professional sports is maintaining the optimal level of comfort during intense sports activities. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the possibilities of the application of thermography for testing the properties related to the comfort of athletes focusing on the transfer of liquid (sweat) through the materials intended for making sportswear. Moreover, the accent is given to the comparison of non-aged materials, and materials aged applying different protocols characteristic for football sportswear.