Effects of Clothing Pressure Exerted on a Trunk on Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, Skin Blood Flow and Respiratory Function

Abstract

To clarify the effects of the clothing pressure exerted on a trunk by a swimsuit on heart rate, skin blood flow and respiratory function, wearing tests of seven female students were conducted. When a swimsuit was worn, blood pressure increased and heart rate decreased in a standing posture, furthermore, oxygen intake and ventilation decreased during exercise. From these results, we concluded that when the clothing pressure exerted on a trunk was rather low: lower than 1.0 kPa, venous pump action was promoted and work efficiency became higher. However, when the clothing pressure exerted on a shoulder and inguinal region was very high, skin blood flow to peripheral parts (foot) was suppressed and the recovery of blood pressure after exercise was delayed.