Abstract
Purpose : The purpose of the present study is to clarify the effects of seasonal clothing on the physiological functions in man, since such studies have hardly been reported and basic data are scarce.
Method : Wearing four kinds of seasonal clothing at various experimental temperatures but the same humidity, 8 subjects underwent measurements of heart beat, energy metabolism, skin temperature and innermost temperature. The measurements were preceded on the part of the subjects by wearing material and measurement equipment in a waiting room of 24°C and by sitting still in the examination room for 30 minutes.
Results : The innermost and skin temperatures were significantly influenced by external temperature, and the temperatures of the chest and upper arms were similarly affected by the seasonal clothing. The mean skin temperature was fluctuated significantly by the change of the external temperature and clothing. The intra-clothing temperature and the skin temperature at each site showed a significant correlation. Ventilation was increased by the seasonal clothing, but the effect on oxygen uptake was not recognized.
