In order to determine the effects of clothing pressure on physiological responses, especially on the autonomic nervous system of the human body, two different types of experiment were conducted.
　In experiment A, heart rate variability of ten female subjects were examined when the clothing pressure was applied with a non-stretch belt to the subject around the breast, waist, and hip, respectively. As a result, HF (0.15-0.40Hz of HRV) increased significantly, while LF (0.04-0.15Hz)/HF decreased in the cases of clothing pressure around the waist and hip.
　In experiment B conducted to determine the basis of designing stretch fabric sports wear, the blood flow rate and skin temperature of the finger and toe, as well as HRV of seven female subjects were measured when the clothing pressure was applied by a stretch fabric around the hip and lower extremity of the subject under the standing and lying postures, respectively. The effects of the clothing pressure on the metabolic rate were also evaluated in both standing and running conditions at VO₂max 70%. The results showed an increase of HF and a decrease of LF/HF as the effect of clothing pressure. The effects were more apparent in the standing than in the lying posture and on the lower extremity than in the hip. Neither the blood flow rate nor the skin temperature were affected by the clothing pressure, while the clothing pressure caused the metabolic rate to increase significantly both in standing and running conditions. The results suggested that clothing pressure around the lower body applied by stretch garments such as a girdle or sport spats increases the blood flow rate and blood pressure in the upper body, which affect the autonomic nervous system, especially the increase of activity level of the parasympathetic nervous system.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.27/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE