Effects of Wearing a Helmet on Thermal Balance While Cycling in the Heat

Abstract

In brief: Many cyclists refuse to wear helmets because they produce discomfort and drag. To determine the effects of wearing a helmet on thermal balance and rating of perceived exertion while cycling in the heat, six male competitive cyclists aged 19 to 32 rode a stationary bicycle attached to a road-racing simulator in an environmentally controlled chamber for two hours at 70% V O2 max. Measurements were taken of rectal and skin temperatures, V O2, heart rate, sweat rate, and rating of perceived exertion. The results showed that (under the experimental conditions used) wearing a helmet while cycling in the heat does not alter thermal balance or cardiovascular strain compared with not wearing a helmet.