Relative contribution of core and skin temperatures to thermal comfort in humans

1. Although both skin-surface (Tsk) and core (Tc) temperatures are known afferent inputs to the thermoregulatory system, the relative contributions of Tsk and Tc to thermal comfort is unknown. 2. Tsk and Tc temperatures were independently altered in human subjects while measuring thermal comfort on a scale of 0-10. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the relative Tsk/Tc contribution ratio to thermal comfort using the ratio of regression coefficients for Tsk and Tc temperatures. 3. The proportional contribution ratio of Tsk/Tc to thermal comfort was approximate to 1:1. This represents a much greater Tsk/Tc contribution ratio for thermal comfort than previous studies have shown for swearing (1:20), or vasoconstriction and shivering (1:4). 4. Thermal comfort in humans is determined to a great extent by Tsk, while the physiological responses are determined primarily by changes in Tc. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.