Keep cool wearing a shoulder brace: A Pilot study

Heat Retention in Shoulder Braces: A Pilot Study

We wanted to know if the new Hot Weather Shoulder Brace was cooler to wear when exercising. We  undertook a pilot research trial to investigate the differences in heat retention across our different shoulder braces. We used a thermal imaging camera to see if there was a difference in surface heat from the multi-directional brace, or the new Hot Weather Brace.

Methods:

Margie volunteered to cycle on an exercise bike wearing three different types of shoulder brace.

1. The Hot Weather Shoulder Brace
2. The Multi Directional Shoulder Brace (Breatheable Neoprene)
3. The Original thick neoprene (not breatheable)

She cycled until her body temperature increased and she began sweating (approximately 33 degrees - see table below). We recorded the temperature on the outside of her arm, and her body temperature using a thermal imaging camera.

Results

 The temperatures are measured on the outside of the brace with the thermal imaging camera. This shows that more heat passes through the Hot Weather Brace than compared to neoprene braces

 CONCLUSION:

Our preliminary findings show that the Hot Weather Shoulder Brace allows more heat to be released from the body than our other shoulder braces.

When compared to the body temperature, the temperature of the shoulder brace is the same, indicating that the Hot Weather Shoulder Brace doesn't store heat close to the body. We conclude that this Hot Weather Shoulder brace is better for athletes who are exercising in hot weather, as it allows the body to regulate heat better than other braces.

Check out the new HOTTIE brace here