Abstract
To figure out an appropriate pressure level for a body warming base layer, human responses were observed when the pattern reduction of base layers varied. Under the condition of $2^{\circ}C$, 60% RH, 0.1m/s, ten male subjects participated in the experiment with four sizes of experimental vests where heating pads were attached. The subjective evaluations of the heating vests with different sizes were reported using 7 or 9 point scales. We simultaneously observed chest, abdomen and scapula skin temperatures and microclimate humidity. It was found that the tight pattern as in the case of A or B provided a warmer subjective sensation and skin temperature than C or D; however, there were no differences in skin temperature at the chest. Eventually, the chest temperature decreased after about 30 mins of heating; however, temperature of abdomen increased and indicated that heating with two commercial pads used was inadequate for whole body warming. The pressure sensation of 'tight' was improved after warming the abdomen in a cold environment. Overall, the gaps beyond the original circumference of the abdomen, as in C or D, were not desirable for the local heating of abdomen under the conditions of this experiment where walking was included in the protocol. The experiment garment B with nude waist circumference was the best, and D with the largest ease, was the worst for a comfortable warming vest.
