Conclusions
muscle contraction, thirst, impaired mood
HEAT, ADVERSE EFFECTS, DISEASE TRANSMISSION
This study demonstrates that wearing aerosol PPE in a simulated hospital environment results in heat exhaustion and has a negative impact upon mood, motor function, and task performance. Whilst wearing PPE is important to prevent disease transmission, strategies should be developed to limit its impact upon healthcare workers’ performance and well-being.During the COVID-19 pandemic, use of aerosol personal protective equipment (PPE) has increased. Whilst its use is necessary to protect healthcare workers from disease transmission, wearers have reported adverse effects on performance and well-being. This randomized controlled crossover study demonstrates that wearing aerosol PPE for 2 h in a simulated hospital environment results in heat exhaustion (core temperature >38°C, heart rate >100 bpm, excessive thirst and sweating) and impaired mood, muscle contraction and task performance.