The effects of a novel personal comfort system on thermal comfort, physiology and perceived indoor environmental quality, and its health implications - Stimulating human thermoregulation without compromising thermal comfort.

ABSTRACT: The classical textbook interpretation of thermal comfort is that it occurs when the thermoregulatory effort is minimized. However, stimulating human thermoregulatory systems may benefit health and increase body thermal resilience. To address this gap, we tested a novel personal comfort system (PCS) that targets only the extremities and the head, leaving the rest of the body exposed to a moderately drifting temperature (17-25°C). A randomized, cross-over study was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, mimicking an office setting. Eighteen participants completed two scenarios, one with a PCS and another one without a PCS in 17-25°C ambient conditions. The results indicate that the PCS improved thermal comfort in 17-23°C and retained active thermoregulatory control. The torso skin

SUBMITTER: Luo W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9298036 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature