• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.405-415
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• 2019

This study examined the physiological and psychological effects of wearing a winter cap at rest in a cold environment. Seven older males participated in two separate trials: wearing a winter cap (CAP) and non-wearing a winter cap (CON). The experiment was conducted for 60 min in a climatic chamber (air temperature $7.8{\pm}0.3^{\circ}C$ with $43{\pm}2%RH$) with sedentary posture. Microclimate temperature at the vertex of the head was $6.88^{\circ}C$ higher in CAP compared to CON (p<.01). Microclimate humidity at the vertex was lower in CAP than in CON only during the last 5 min (p<.01). Skin temperature at the forehead in CAP was higher than in CON (p<.01). During the last 5 min, rectal temperature was higher in CAP than that in CON (p<.05). Unlike CAP, the heart rate in CON during the last 5 min decreased significantly compared to the initial 5 min (p<.05). Subjects also felt less cold on the head/face in CAP than that in CON (p<.01). The results indicate that wearing a cap for elderly males positively affected body temperature regulation and cardiovascular response in cold environments. The importance of wearing warm hats for elderly males in winter should be emphasized.