Thermal strain associated with wearing protective helmets during horseback mustering

Summary

In Phase One, the working environment of northern Australian cattle stations was evaluated, and found to thermally uncompensable during mustering season. Physiological strain associated with mustering cattle under such conditions was also quantified, revealing that stockmen were able to modulate work rates to prevent the progressive rise in core temperature. From bench-top, heat-penetrations trials were performed on a range of equestrian helmets and a felt hat. On overall performance, the Aussie 21 helmet was deemed to be superior. 
The third Phase of this project involved laboratory-based trials under precisely-controlled, and reproducible environmental conditions, in which the physiological impact of the Aussie 21 helmet was compared with the standard felt hat, during a simulated working and thermal exposure. This helmet did not adversely affect any of the physiological, psychophysical or cognitive functions that were evaluated.