Thermoregulatory model to predict physiological status from ambient environment and heart rate

A real-time thermoregulatory model was developed for predicting real-time physiological responses of workers engaged in various tasks for prolonged time. The unique feature of the present model is primarily on metabolic activity inputs derived from minimum non-invasive measures (i.e., heart rate and ambient temperature). In addition, it utilizes individual anthropological characteristics (height, weight, and clothing) as an input to estimate core temperatures (T_c). The model was validated using data from five laboratory studies (n=63) with varied environments, clothing, and heat acclimation status. Overall, T_c predictions using this simplified model, corresponded well with measured values (root mean square deviation: 0.05-0.31 °C).