The regional difference in temperature sensation and thermal comfort/discomfort in human

Abstract

We examined the regional difference in temperature sensation and thermal comfort/discomfort. Subjects sitting in a 32-33°C environment were locally cooled and warmed with water perfused stimulators. The areas stimulated were the face, chest, abdmen and thigh. The temperature of water for cooling was 25°C, and that for warming was 42°C. The area of stimulation was 270 cm² and each stimulation lasted 1.5 min. Temperature sensation and thermal comfort/discomfort of stimulated area and those of whole body were reported by the subjects using dials numbered from -10 to 10 (0 : neutral). The setting of the dial procedured a voltage which was continuously recorded. At the basal condition without local stimulation subjects reported hot and uncomfortable for whole body sensation. During local thermal stimulation there is no significant difference in local temperature sensation among the four areas. But for thermal comfort/discomfort, face and abdmen displayed characteristic sensation for cold stimulation. Thermal comfort was strongest for the face by cooling. On the other hand, abdominal cooling produced discomfort even in the hot environment. These results suggest that there is regional difference in the production of thermal comfort/discomfort. [J Physiol Sci. 2007;57 Suppl:S184]