Effects of pressure exerted on the skin by elastic cord on the core temperature, body weight loss and salivary secretion rate at 35°C

Abstract

Effects of pressure exerted on the skin by elastic cord on the core temperature, body weight loss and salivary secretion rate were studied under conditions of ambient temperature of 35 degrees C and a relative humidity of 60%. Twelve healthy females, aged 18-23 years, served as subjects. The subjects entered a bioclimatic chamber and rested quietly in a chair for 80 min. Then, skin pressure was exerted by applying elastic cord (8.5 mm wide) to six different skin areas, such as axilla, under-bust, waist, inguines, thighs and ankles. The values of skin pressure by elastic cord ranged from 11.9 to 33.3 g/cm(2). In the control experiment, wrapping with an elastic cord was loosely performed without any skin pressure. Rectal and skin temperatures, body weight loss by sweating and salivary secretion rate were measured throughout the 160 min experimental period. Core temperature increased more significantly under pressure exerted on the skin. Body weight loss by mainly sweating and salivary secretion rate were significantly suppressed under pressure exerted on the skin. We discussed the physiological mechanisms in terms of suppression of central nervous activity as to why significant increase of core temperatures, inhibition of body weight loss mainly by sweating and of salivary secretion rate occurred, and furthermore practical significance of these findings for impairment of digestion, swallowing, vocalizing, defense against disease bacteria and sport activity.

Effects of Skin Pressure from Compression Legwear on Resting Salivary Cortisol and Urinary Catecholamines Excretion in Women

“…The results suggested that wearing of CLs for relatively long period not only did not activate the SNS, but the wearer actually became adapted to it with reduced level of stress and cortisol secretion. Previously, using 8.5‐mm‐wide elastic cords applied to the axilla, under‐bust, waist, groin, thigh and ankle, Tanaka found that salivary secretion rate was suppressed during a 160‐minute testing period . Our results are similar in that resting salivary excretion was decreased with wearing time when clothing pressure was exerted on the full lower extremities.…”

“…For instance, in one study, the mean surface pressure exerted at the axilla by elastic cord was 11.9 g/cm² during the whole experiment. 7 In another study, the skin pressure exerted at the forearm by a tight coat was 0.54 to 0.78 kPa. 8 In a third study, the abdomen surface pressure applied was 40 mmHg.…”

“…In addition, most of the existing studies reported the effects of constant skin pressure exerted by clothing on the same region of the human body throughout the experimental procedure. For instance, in one study, the mean surface pressure exerted at the axilla by elastic cord was 11.9 g/cm² during the whole experiment . In another study, the skin pressure exerted at the forearm by a tight coat was 0.54 to 0.78 kPa .…”

“…Some anthropologic studies have indicated that skin pressure resulting from clothing worn on specific areas of the body could have a profound influence on multiple physiologic functions, including rate of salivary secretion, heart rate, sweating rate, urinary secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline, and digestive function. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] These functions are largely dependent on the ANS operating through two antagonistic divisions: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system. 16 One of the consistent findings was that skin pressure exerted by clothing has inhibitory influences on physiologic functions.…”

“…14,15 Most of the studies have focused on the effect of skin pressure exerted by clothing on the upper body or resulting from fabrics applied to certain specific regions, such as brassieres, girdles, tight coast, cuffs on the abdomen, and elastic cords at the axilla, waist, ribs, or thighs. [6][7][8]11,13 In addition, most of the existing studies reported the effects of constant skin pressure exerted by clothing on the same region of the human body throughout the experimental procedure. For instance, in one study, the mean surface pressure exerted at the axilla by elastic cord was 11.9 g/cm² during the whole experiment.…”