To investigate the range of microclimate temperature for maintaining thermal neutrality and its regional, seasonal and age differences, 5 children (10〜11 yr), 5 young (20〜21 yr) and 5 older (60〜65 yr) men volunteered in the spring, summer, autumn and winter for this study. They were requested to maintain their thermal neutrality as much as possible in their daily life and microclimate temperatures (Tm) were assessed on chest, back, upper arm and thigh, as well as their skin temperature on the chest. Also, their ambient temperature (Ta) was measure by a portable instrument for 8〜12 hours after rising. Time table was recorded by them when they could not maintain neutrality.
　There were no group differences for the Ta for keeping the neutrality in each season. The regional differences in range of fluctuation in Tm were shown for the C and Y groups because of greater range on thigh compared to the other sites (due to adjustment of clothing only for upper body). However, regional differences did not exist in spring and summer. No regional differences in the range of Tm were obtained for the O group throughout a year, since they adjusted the layers of clothes even on their lower limbs in order to maintain neutrality according to Ta. The results suggest that regional, seasonal, and age differences exist in the range of fluctuation in Tm for maintaining thermal neutrality. These findings were taken in consideration for development of an ideal clothing for improvement of thermoregulation and to guarantee thermal neutrality.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.15/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE