The Regional Differences of Warmthand Thermal Comfor tSensation

Abstract

This study assessed the regional differences of warmth and thermal comfort sensation.Fivemale students participated in this study.A flexible heater (9×10cm) was applied to sixregions of the body (chest, abdomen, shoulder, forearm, thigh and sole).Temperature of theheater was held at 40°C and ambient temperature was controlled at 30°C (R.H.50%).Thesubjects were asked to report anassessment of warmth and thermal comfort for heated region.The durations of heating were 5 sec, 60 sec and 300 sec.In 5 sec and 60 sec heating, the fegional differences of warmth and thermal comfortsensation were observed to be significant.The regional differences were larger in 60 secheating than in 5 sec heating.The sensitivity of sole was shown to be significantly lower thanthat of the other region of the body.