Sweat research at Loughborough sparks evolution debate
19/04/2011
Scientists at the university’s Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre investigated sweating in male athletes in a research project sponsored by sports brand adidas. Professor George Havenith and Dr Caroline Smith created a body map of sweating patterns using the university’s specialist facilities.
The results showed unexpectedly high levels of sweating on the central and lower back, particularly in the area of the spine. High sweat rates were also found on the forehead whilst the lowest were towards the extremities. Academics were surprised by high levels of sweating along the spine. They concluded that the back of the body is less exposed to airflow—wind speed due to running—and thus less efficient at cooling the body, the primary function of sweat. So, more sweat will drip off the body without cooling it.
Discussions with colleagues with expertise in evolutionary biology raised a speculative explanation as to why the human body functions in this way. Professor Havenith said: “Our research records scientific data but asking ‘why’ raises an interesting question. If this pattern that we observe is a remnant from when we moved on all fours, before we walked upright, then sweating on the back would make sense. The chest would be protected from air movement and enclosed by the extremities, while the back pointing upwards would be more exposed to wind.’’
The research was carried out using panels made from a super-absorbent fabric capable of holding liquid of up to 20 times its own weight. Athletes based on the university campus took part in the tests, which were held in the Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre’s climatic chambers, an environment capable of producing temperatures ranging from minus 30 to +50 degrees Celsius.
Athletes taking part in the study exercised in the laboratory while wearing the special panels.
The fabric sections were then removed and weighed to accurately measure the amount of sweat produced in the different areas of the body. In research still to be published, the academics also mapped the sweating patterns of female athletes under the same conditions.
Adidas has used the body mapping research to further develop its range of stay-cool sports clothes, using mesh inserts, for example, in areas of high heat and sweat production. Professor Havenith said: “Adidas are leading the way in this research, which will be of great interest to all clothing manufacturers, as they strive to create clothes that keep us cool and comfortable.’’
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