Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of lower leg exercise by subjective evaluation and changes in deep body temperature. Methods: This study was conducted from March to November 2020 and enrolled 17 healthy women (mean age 22.8 years). The study period was 7 days. Lower leg exercise was performed using an original exercise device. Participants were divided into two the coldness and non-coldness groups according to reference of a deep body temperature difference of 2.55℃ between the forehead and instep. We performed the subjective assessment of effects of exercise during a one-week period and evaluated the resulting changes in deep body temperature. A generalized linear mixed model was used to analyse the changes in deep body temperature. Results: Post-exercise, deep body temperature in the instep significantly increased in the coldness group. The difference in deep body temperature following the leg exercise between the forehead and instep significantly decreased in the coldness group. With regards subjective evaluation, all participants reported that their feet were warm after lower leg exercise, irrespective of the group. Conclusion: This study indicates that lower leg exercise may be effective in improving blood flow in the instep of young women with coldness.
