Application of a Heat- and Steam-Generating Sheet Increases Peripheral Blood Flow and Induces Parasympathetic Predominance

Figure 2

Experimental protocol. Random-order study involving 3 conditions (application of the HSG sheet to the anterior abdominal region, application of the HSG sheet to the lumbar region, and application of a sham belt to the anterior abdominal region and/or lumbar region). The following were measured or assessed: blood pressure, ECG (electrocardiography), EGG (electrogastrography), skin tissue total hemoglobin level and skin tissue oxygen saturation, muscle tissue total hemoglobin level and muscle tissue oxygen saturation, skin tissue temperature beneath the HSG sheet, skin temperature, subcutaneous tissue temperature, feeling of comfort/discomfort in the abdominal, and perception of thermal sensation. The time schedule was as follows. During the first 30 minutes, each subject remained still (the control period). Then, the HSG sheet belt or the sham belt was applied for 60 minutes (the period marked with shading). After removal of the belt, the subjects again remained still for 30 minutes. Points of measurement are indicated by ●. ▴: measured at 119 minutes.