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Thermal responses affected by different underwear materials during light exercise and rest in cold
S Rissanen1, M Hori-Yamagishi, H Tokura
1Department of Clothing Sciences, Nara Women's University, Japan.
Summary
Underwear material, like cotton or acrylic, showed no significant difference in thermophysiological responses during rest and light exercise in cold conditions. However, cotton underwear demonstrated better moisture management in individuals with high sweat rates.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Physiology
- Textile Science
Background:
- Understanding the impact of clothing materials on thermoregulation is crucial for comfort and performance.
- Different fabric properties, such as moisture regain and wicking, can influence heat and moisture transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the thermophysiological effects of 100% cotton (COTTON) and 100% acrylic (ORLON) underwear during rest and light exercise in a cold environment (-10°C).
Main Methods:
- Nine female subjects underwent a protocol involving rest, walking exercise (6 km/h), and recovery.
- Core and skin temperatures, clothing temperatures, sweat evaporation, and subjective thermal sensations were measured.
- Sweat accumulation within the underwear was quantified for both COTTON and ORLON ensembles.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in core temperature, skin/clothing temperatures, or subjective sensations were observed between COTTON and ORLON underwear at low sweat rates.
- Moisture transfer to outer clothing layers was observed in both ensembles, correlating with total sweat production.
- In heavily sweating individuals, COTTON showed higher accumulated sweat (71g) compared to ORLON (46g), indicating better wicking and moisture regain properties.
Conclusions:
- Underwear material has a negligible effect on thermophysiological responses and subjective sensations under low sweat rate conditions in the cold.
- Differences in underwear material performance, particularly moisture management, become more apparent in individuals with higher sweat rates, even during light exercise.