Validation of the Omni Scale of Thermal Sensations

• Published in: Perceptual and motor skills Vol. 116; no. 3; pp. 773 - 783
• Main Authors: Goss, Fredric L., Robertson, Robert J., Gallagher, Michael, Haile, Luke, Morley, Julia, Suyama, Joe, Hostler, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-06-2013; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Humans; Protective clothing; Regression analysis; Skin; Temperature; Thermosensing; Validity; Walking
• ISSN: 0031-5125; 1558-688X
• DOI: 10.2466/27.29.PMS.116.3.773-783

Concurrent and construct validation of the OMNI Scale of Thermal Sensations was examined in a sample of 16 adult men and 5 adult women. Concurrent validity was established by regressing OMNI ratings of thermal sensation against core and skin temperatures obtained during treadmill walking while wearing firefighter thermal-protective clothing in temperatures between 33 and 35°C. Construct validity was established by regressing the OMNI scale against a construct-specific visual analogue scale. OMNI scale responses accounted for statistically significant variance in both skin temperature and core temperature (48% and 51%, respectively) and visual analogue scale responses (84%). Concurrent and construct validity were established for the OMNI Scale of Thermal Sensations in healthy adults performing treadmill walking while wearing fire fighter thermal protective clothing.