Investigation of the Effects of In-Vehicle Temperature Indices on Physiological Parameters of Taxi Drivers in Winter and Summer

Abstract

Background: Physiological parameters are influenced by various factors, including ambient temperature. This study aimed to investigate the effect of in-vehicle temperature indices on the physiological parameters of taxi drivers in winter and summer. Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed on 29 taxi drivers in the morning and evening in winter and summer. Temperature indices including wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), dry bulb temperature, glob temperature, and relative humidity and physiological parameters including heart rate, blood oxygen, neck temperature, and finger temperature were measured. Data analysis was done using the Wilcoxon test and paired t-test via SPSS software. Findings: The average age of drivers was 52.2 years. The average dry bulb temperature and WBGT in winter were 32.2 ºC and 15.6 ºC in the morning and 22.3 ºC and 14.2 ºC in the evening, respectively, and in summer, 34.2 ºC and 22.6 ºC in the morning and 38.4 ºC and 24.5 ºC in the evening, respectively. There was a significant difference between the parameters of dry bulb temperature, glob temperature, WBGT, relative humidity, blood oxygen, heart rate, neck temperature, and finger temperature between winter and summer (P < 0.050). Conclusion: The physiological parameters of drivers are affected by changes in ambient temperature, and although the temperature inside the cabin is within the standard range, people generally have a higher heart rate in winter. Moreover, the temperature of the skin of the fingers is strongly affected by the ambient temperature compared to the temperature of the neck.

Keywords

• heart rate
• skin temperature
• body temperature changes
• automobile driving