Body mapping of sweating patterns in athletes: a sex comparison

PURPOSE: Limited regional sweat rate (RSR) data are available for females, with only a small number of sites measured across the body. Similarly, sex differences in sweating concentrate on whole body values, with limited RSR data available. METHODS: A modified absorbent technique was used to collect sweat at two exercise intensities (60% (I1) and 75% (I2) O2 max) in 13 aerobically trained females (21±1 yrs, 59.5±10 ml.min.kg VO2max) in moderately warm conditions (25°C, 45% rh, 2 m.s air velocity). Females were compared to 9 aerobically trained males (23±3 yrs, 70.2±13 ml.min.kg VO) tested under the same conditions. RESULTS: Female I1 RSR were highest at the central upper back, heels, dorsal foot, and between the breasts (223, 161, 139 and 139 g.m.h, respectively). Lowest values were over the breasts, mid and lower outer back (<16 g.m.h). At I2 the central upper back, bra triangle, and lower back showed the highest RSR (723, 470, and 333 g.m.h, respectively). Regions of the breasts and palms had the lowest RSR at I2 (<82 g.m.h). Significantly greater GSL and thus RSR were observed in males vs. females at both exercise intensities. For the same metabolic heat production (male I1 vs. female I2) absolute and normalised RSR showed a significant region-sex interaction (p < 0.001), with a greater distribution towards the arms and hands in females vs. males. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some differences in distribution, both sexes showed highest RSR on the central upper back and lowest towards the extremities. No correlation was observed between local skin temperature and RSR, failing to explain RSR variation observed. These data have important applications for sex specific clothing design, thermophysiological modelling, and thermal manikin design.