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European Journal of Applied Physiology
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology 3/2008

01-06-2008 | Original Article

Heart rate variability at different thermal comfort levels

Authors: Weiwei Liu, Zhiwei Lian, Yuanmou Liu

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2008

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Abstract

The mechanism of human thermal comfort is important for building a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. This paper analyzes human heart rate variability (HRV) at different thermal comfort levels and discusses the mechanism of human thermal comfort. A total of 33 subjects were divided in 3 groups. Under air temperatures of 21, 24, 26, 28, 29, and 30°C, the subjects’ electrocardiogram was recorded for 5 min. HRV (the ratio of absolute powers in low- and high-frequency bands, LF/HF ratio) was analyzed. LF/HF at discomfort level were significantly higher than that at comfort level (P < 0.05), despite the same thermal sensation. The results indicate that sympathetic activity plays an important role in subjects’ thermal discomfort and the LF/HF ratio may be used as an indicator for human thermal comfort.
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Metadata
Title
Heart rate variability at different thermal comfort levels
Authors
Weiwei Liu
Zhiwei Lian
Yuanmou Liu
Publication date
01-06-2008
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2008
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0718-6

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