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

• DOI: 10.1111/ina.12951
• Publication Date: 2021-11-01T09:22:48Z
• Authors: Wei Luo; Rick Kramer; Yvonne Kort; Pascal Rense; Wouter Marken Lic...
• Keywords: Skin Temperature

The classical textbook interpretation of thermal comfort is that it occurs when the thermoregulatory effort minimized. However, stimulating human systems may benefit health and increase body resilience. To address this gap, we tested a novel personal system (PCS) targets only extremities head, leaving rest exposed to 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 PCS another without in 17–25°C ambient conditions. results indicate improved 17–23°C retained active control. torso skin temperature, underarm-finger gradients, energy expenditure, substrate oxidations physical activity were not affected by most cases. Only slight changes cardiovascular responses observed between scenarios. Moreover, boosted pleasure arousal. At 25°C, did improve comfort, but significantly air quality perceptions mitigated eye strain. These findings suggest physiological thermoregulation can be stimulated compromising using cold