Effects of Fabrics with Infrared Radiation Properties on Physiological and Psychological Thermal Responses during Exercise and Recovery

A functional pant made of the fabrics with infrared (IR) radiation properties was successful developed as a potential application for infrared therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the fabrics with infrared radiation properties on physiological and psychological responses during and after a short-duration exercise. Ten female subjects were tested in random order, wearing two types of pant with or without IR function. Nude body mass was measured before the experiment and after the recovery. Core temperature, skin temperature at six sites, heart rate, and the ratings of thermal, clothing wetness and comfort sensation were measured during and after the exercise. The results arising from the core temperature showed not significantly higher in IR function pant than that in Non-IR function (P>0.05), but the body mean skin temperature drawn a significant higher body mean skin temperature in IR functional pant than in Non-IR functional pant (P<0.05). However, subjective sensations during this short-duration exercise were similar for both fabrics. In conclusion, following a short duration exercise, the infrared radiation properties of fabrics could increase the heat ability of body skim temperature and keep the thermal comfort for human body.