To evaluate the effect of a drifting ambient temperature versus a fixed ambient temperature on subjective comfort and sensation, and thermo-physiological parameters. Additionally, the effect of different activity levels on the location of the…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
Geen
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Difference in thermal sensation as indicated by the maximal difference in
finger temperature between the two ambient temperature conditions
Secondary outcome
energy expenditure
heart rate
blood pressure
skin temperature
core temperature
sweat rate (only in experiment 2)
Background summary
Humans tend to spend most of their time indoors. Nowadays temperatures in many
buildings such as dwellings and offices are controlled very tightly determined
by the ASHRAE Standard 55 and ISO Standard 7730. However, these standards are
calculated around the assumption of an 'average occupant' to maximize thermal
comfort and minimize health risks. Whereas, in reality there is a large
individual variation with respect to comfort and sensation. Additionally, due
to the application of these standards there is little to no variation in indoor
climate and thus the human thermoregulatory system is less challenged to
maintain a constant temperature. Therefore, it is likely to assume that
occupants become more vulnerable to sudden fluctuations in temperatures.
Study objective
To evaluate the effect of a drifting ambient temperature versus a fixed ambient
temperature on subjective comfort and sensation, and thermo-physiological
parameters. Additionally, the effect of different activity levels on the
location of the thermal neutral zone will be investigated.
Study design
The study will consist of two different experiments. In experiment 1 subjects
will be exposed to drifting ambient temperatures and compared with a normal
constant ambient temperature under laboratory conditions. In experiment 2
participants will be engaged in different physical activity levels and the
ambient temperature will be set to 21 degrees. Measurements include thermal
perception and sensation, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperatures and
energy expenditure.
Intervention
In experiment 1, participants will reside in the respiration chamber for two
measurement days (9.5 hours each). During these measurement days participants
will be exposed to either a drifting temperature protocol or a fixed
temperature.
Drifting temperature protocol: upon entering the respiratory chamber (± 8:15
AM) the temperature will be at 17 degrees celsius. After 45 minutes
room-temperature will gradually increase to 25 degrees celsius (± 2.3 degrees
C/Hour) and reach the temperature at about 12:30 PM. after 30minutes of
remaining at 25 degrees the temperature will gradually decrease again to 17
degrees celsius (±2.3 degrees C/hour) and reaches 17 degrees at about 16:30 PM.
The temperature will remain at 17 degrees for 45minutes after which the
experiment ends (17:15PM).
Constant temperature protocol: upon entering the chamber the temperature will
be 21 degrees celsius and remain at this temperature throughout the full day.
(from 8:15 AM until 17:15 PM)
In experiment 2, participants will be instructed to perform several activities
(lying down in bed, sitting, standing and walking at 3km/h). Environmental
temperatures will be kept constant at 21 degrees celsius.
Study burden and risks
This study carries no benefits for the subjects. It is not a therapeutic
research and carries minor risks for the subjects. The major burdens consist of
recurrent study visits, a moderate time commitment and exposure to warmer and
cooler environments than usual. Subjects will perform several activities within
the respiratory research units of the MRUM and are not allowed to leave the
room throughout the measurements. Furthermore, subjects are asked to regulate
their eating and exercise habits 1 day before each measurement day of the study
to limit external influence on the measurement of energy expenditure. This may
be a small social and psychological burden.
The study will lead to novel insights into the relationship between drifting
ambient temperatures during several activities and various health-related
parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate and energy expenditure.
Universiteitssingel 50
Maastricht 6229ER
NL
Universiteitssingel 50
Maastricht 6229ER
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Male gender
Caucasian race
Age 20-40 years
BMI between 18 and 27.5 kg/m2
Non-smoking
Steady dietary habits
Generally healthy, no medication use that interferes with metabolism.
Exclusion criteria
Cardiac problems and cardiovascular diseases, such as angina pectoris, cardiac
infarction and arrhythmias
Any medical condition requiring treatment and/or medication that might
interfere with
the investigated parameters.
Unstable body weight (weight gain or loss >3kg in the past month)
Participation in another biomedical study within 1 month prior to screening
visit
Participants, who do not want to be informed about unexpected medical findings,
or
do not wish that their treating physician will be informed, cannot participate
in this
study
Presence of Raynaud's phenomenon
Design
Recruitment
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In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL64793.068.18 |