Effect of Enveloping-airflow Air Conditioner on Health Maintenance and Fatigue in Healthy Women / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

ABSTRACT

<i>Objective</i> In the present study, we investigated the effects of enveloping-airflow air conditioner on health maintenance and fatigue in healthy volunteers. The enveloping airflow is that of gently holding the whole room space along the ceiling, wall, and floor.<br> <i>Design</i> In a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial, 10 healthy women who had feeling cold, stiff shoulder and knee pain very often under air conditioner working, participated in the study. They performed fatigue-inducing desk work for 2 hours, and rested for 30 minutes in the air conditioned room controlled by enveloping airflow or direct airflow.<br> <i>Methods</i> We evaluated subjective sensation by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), peripheral blood flow by laser-Doppler flowmetry, and body temperature.<br> <i>Result</i> The enveloping airflow prevented hypothermia, increased blood flow, moreover attenuated feeling of cold, knee pain and fatigue, increased sensation of comfort as compared with the direct air flow.<br> <i>Conclusion</i> Enveloping-airflow air conditioner is effective in maintaining health and attenuating fatigue.<br>