Tolerable range of abdomen and waist skin temperature for heating-capable smart garments

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to provide information on how to monitor the temperature setting of a heating device in order to implement a heating unit successfully in the smart clothing by observing voluntary heating behavior of wearers. Design/methodology/approach Subjects wearing base layers and additional clothing were asked to turn on and off the switch when wanted in the cold environmental chamber. Tolerable range of skin temperature (TST) depending on the location of body was obtained by observing the temperature at the time when the heating device was turned on and off during a rest-running-rest protocol. Findings The TST was 32.8-49.4 degrees C and decreased to 31.3-37.6 degrees C around abdomen and back waist, respectively. Changes in the wearers' voluntary control behavior were observed depending on the individual's level of cold-sensitivity and activity level of rest and running. TST was 35.8-49.4 degrees C (Rest 1: rest before exercise), 40.0-42.0 degrees C (Running) and 35.3-43.2 degrees C (Rest 2: rest after exercise) for cold-sensitive group, whereas it was 32.8-36.2 degrees C (Running) and 34.4-45.7 degrees C (Rest 2: rest after exercise) for cold-insensitive group. Originality/value In this study, results with detailed body locations and wearer's thermal sensitivity provide practical references for the implementation of a heating device to the comfortable multilayered smart clothing.