Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and the effects of near infrared lighted garments on thermo-physiological responses in human body. Seven healthy adult men were recruited for this study. All subjects were informed the contents and purpose of this study. The experiment was carried out in a climate chamber of $32^{\circ}C$, 60%RH with 'Rest', 'Exercise' and 'Recovery' period. The experimental garments consisted of briefs, undershirts(sleeveless), nightclothes, T-shirts, knee-trousers and socks. Subjects participated in two experiments, one was wearing near infrared lighted garments(NIR-O), the other was wearing regular garments(NIR-X). The order of experiment was randomized, and subjects wore experimental garments before 24 hours in order to benefit by near infrared light. Measurement items included rectal temperature ($T_{re}$), mean skin temperature ($\bar{T}_{sk}$), sweat rate, heart rate, oxygen uptake and subjective sensation. The results are as follows: As to the variation of rectal temperature and mean skin temperature, value of wearing NIR-X was higher than value of wearing NIR-O, indicating a significant level of difference (p<.001). Sweat rate under NIR-O and NIR-X condition were 575.35 g and 535.75 g, respectively. Heart rate value of NIR-X condition was higher than NIR-O. Oxygen uptake measured during experiment was the higher in NIR-X condition with significant difference (p<.001). In the subjective sensation, the value of NIR-O condition was higher than NIR-X condition without significantly difference.
