applied
sciences
Article
Analysis of EEG, Cardiac Activity Status, and Thermal
Comfort According to the Type of Cooling Seat during Rest
in Indoor Temperature
Yunchan Shin, Minjung Lee and Honghyun Cho *






Citation: Shin, Y.; Lee, M.; Cho, H.
Analysis of EEG, Cardiac Activity
Status, and Thermal Comfort
According to the Type of Cooling Seat
during Rest in Indoor Temperature.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97. https://dx.doi.
org/10.3390/app11010097
Received: 28 November 2020
Accepted: 22 December 2020
Published: 24 December 2020
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neu-
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Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY)
license (https://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by/4.0/).
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app11010097
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Chosun University, 303 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu,
Gwangju 501-759, Korea; sinyc17@chosun.kr (Y.S.); jung612@chosun.kr (M.L.)
* Correspondence: hhcho@chosun.ac.kr; Tel.: +82-62-230-7050; Fax: +82-62-230-7055
Abstract: In this study, electroencephalogram (EEG) and cardiac activity status of the human body
while using various types of seats during rest were analyzed in indoor summer conditions. Thermal
comfort was also evaluated through a subjective survey. The EEG, cardiac activity status, and
subjective survey during rest indicated that the use of ventilation and cold water-cooling seats
was effective. This effectiveness was because of the θ-wave and α-wave activation, sensorimotor
rhythm, β-wave reduction, and left hemisphere activation, demonstrating that the conditions applied
were suitable for rest. According to the analysis of the subjective questionnaire survey, the use
of ventilation and cold water-cooling seats provided a more pleasant state than the basic seat,
improving the subject’s warmth and comfort, and also the concentration. In addition, the use of a
cold water-cooling seat provided the highest satisfaction level, being the most favorable condition
for rest.
Keywords: electroencephalogram (EEG); electrocardiogram (ECG); photoplethysmography (PPG);
thermal comfort; cardiac activity status
1. Introduction
In modern society, current developments lead to significant and fast changes. This
rapid growth requires effective use of time, which is a key factor in achieving personal goals.
Adequate rest for short periods can also assist in the efficient use of time. If humans do not
take adequate rest while working, they cannot relieve stress. This workload can deteriorate
the adrenal functions and cause the release of scant or excessive levels of cortisol, known
as the stress hormone [1]. Thus, it results in chronic fatigue, depression, helplessness,
decreased concentration, decreased memory, syndrome before menstruation, muscle pain,
sleep disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, eating disorders, and infertility. Therefore,
short but adequate and physiological rest is necessary during the current rapid changes in
modern society. People can calm the body and mind and remove the stress accumulated in
the body through a variety of relaxation methods, including various recreational activities.
In addition, it is essential to prevent multiple symptoms that can be caused by stress and
to maintain body and mind elasticity to maintain the hormone balance in the body [2].
Physiologically sufficient rest restores the function of the adrenal gland and restores the
balance in stress hormones [3]. Therefore, it is essential to maintain human performance,
manage fatigue, and reduce the accumulation of risks in a lengthy task.
Various studies on thermal comfort of humans during rest have been conducted.
However, most of them are focused on improving the thermal environment in extreme
environmental conditions or are subjective surveys based on various thermal ecological
factors. However, in the case of subjective surveys, as they are differently evaluated
according to the individual’s sensitivity for a given temperature, and reaction uncertainty
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 2 of 15

is very high, it is necessary to analyze the situation through measurement of various

objective indicators and to study their comprehensive relationship.
Generally, it is possible to verify the heart rate variability metrics, such as low-
frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) activities, standard deviation of N–N interval
(SDNN), and root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD) through cardiac
activity. LF components, which indicate sympathetic nerves, appear high in tension or
excitement states, whereas HF components, which indicate parasympathetic nerves, appear
low in anger, anxiety, and fear states. A standard pulse deviation, SDNN is a measure
of external environmental adaptability. When it is high, it indicates a better adaptability
to the given environment. In addition, low values of RMSSD are obtained when feeling
anger, anxiety, and fear. In previous studies, Byeon et al. [4] and Liu et al. [5] reported
that electrocardiogram (ECG) signals could be obtained by detecting and amplifying mi-
croscopic electrical signals on the skin using non-invasive electrodes. In addition, the
effects of temperature and ambient light on the pulse waves were investigated, and they
reported that peripheral blood vessels in cold weather caused vascular contraction and
abnormal blood flow as a potential method for clinical diagnosis. In addition, Lee et al. [6]
investigated the correlation between ECG and photoplethysmography (PPG) data. They
reported that a PPG sensor can replace the sleep state detection of drivers using ECG data,
and will potentially be more economical.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are a type of biosignal of the human body that
can be measured by non-invasively fixing flat electrodes in specific areas of the scalp,
using a conductive adhesive, and measuring the potential difference between them. Brain
waves are caused by synchronic electrical waves generated by cerebral cortical neurons
transmitting signals among each other [7]. The synaptic current in the dendrites is the
current induced in the process of communication among cortical neurons located directly
under the skull. The measurement of human EEG is relatively economical and can provide
considerable information regarding brain function in a short period of examination. In
addition, there is no risk of exposure to radioactivity; thus, related research has been
actively conducted under various environments and conditions. Representative studies
related to human EEG measurement have mainly focused on evaluating changes in EEG
caused by direct/indirect stimulation. Choi et al. [8] examined the changes in EEGs
according to the level of stress caused by indirect stimulation with changes in the indoor
environment. From the physiological perspective, the subject’s stress was maximized when
the temperature was 30 ◦ C and when they were exposed to odor stimulant volatile organic
compounds and road traffic noise. Zhang et al. [9] studied variations in EEG and heart
rate (HR) of subjects according to indoor temperature in summer. At a temperature of
25 ◦ C, the subject’s cognitive load was significantly reduced; however, the EEG and HR
function did not significantly change. Vesseler and Zeiler [10] conducted a study on local
heating by directly supplying the heat to the body in public and commercial buildings,
and they confirmed that local ventilation and heating increased energy savings in the
building industry and the thermal comfort of the occupants. Besides, many similar studies
reported that local cooling on the face, arm, thighs, and upper body in the hot condition
could improve the thermal comfort of the occupants [11–14]. Veselý et al. [15] reported that
local heating, using heated chairs, desk mats, and floor mats, could considerably improve
thermal comfort by individually controlling the temperature of subjects. Zhu et al. [16]
observed that changes in the EEG signal occurred upon increasing the indoor temperature
and relative humidity. Based on this result, they reported that research on the feasibility
and usefulness of EEG was needed to investigate the effect of the indoor environment on
human cognitive performance. Shan et al. [17,18] experimentally studied a new method
based on EEG to enhance human–object interaction under various room temperature
conditions and classified the real-time thermal comfort status of occupants through an
EEG-based machine learning method. They reported that the left–right asymmetry score
was approximately zero in cool and warm conditions for the rest condition, and the setting
of a comfortable condition could achieve building energy savings.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 3 of 15

In addition, Chang et al. [19] examined the EEG effect on painless heat and cold
stimulation by studying EEG changes on direct stimulation, such as thermal stimulation.
The experimental results showed a significant decrease in θ-wave activity in the frontal
lobe during cold stimulation rather than painless thermal stimulation. Chang et al. [20]
also investigated the relationship between the dynamics of EEG activation and changes in
pain level through a cold pressure test. Their result showed that the δ-wave, θ-wave, and β-
wave activities increased during the cold pressure experiment, whereas the α-wave activity
decreased. This phenomenon is expected to contribute to the treatment of pain and stress
in humans. Besides, Shan et al. [21] examined the EEG response to tonic cold pain. The
experimental results indicated a significant negative relationship between EEG activation
and subjective pain rating. The brain’s perception of tonic cold pain has emerged as a
change in cortical source power across different frequency bands in various brain regions.
Many studies have been conducted on changes in biosignals under various envi-
ronmental conditions. As a representative study of EEG analysis during driving, Shin
et al. [22] measured the EEGs and pulses of the subject when the indoor temperature of
the vehicle changed from an unpleasant to a pleasant environment by using a driving
simulation. In addition, they reported that the α-wave frequencies increased and stress
sensitivity decreased in the environment in which the subjects felt comfortable. Moreover,
Diaz-Piedra et al. [23] evaluated EEG activity according to the complexity of the terrain
during driving by using a driving simulation. They reported that the driver’s condition
could be continuously monitored by the changes in EEGs to immediately detect over-
load/unload and provide feedback to the driver to take countermeasures and prevent
fatal errors. Yang et al. [24] developed a short-term driving condition prediction model by
studying the characteristics of the driver’s EEGs, assuming the cause of traffic accidents
and estimating the driving condition. In addition, Jiao et al. [25] identified the level of
drowsiness by examining the driver’s EEGs and proposed a new model for detecting
driver drowsiness. An average accuracy of 98% was achieved by verifying and classifying
drowsiness in drivers by tracking the changes in the α-wave activity and extracting shapes
from physiological signals. Furthermore, Jing et al. [26] studied the driver fatigue state in a
low-voltage and low-oxygen environment to monitor psychological parameters through
EEG measurements. They provided basic data on the theory and inspection for the design
of the driving fatigue-warning device and their result was considerably significant to the
development of a driver’s fatigue detection system. In addition, concentration and thermal
comfort of subjects were investigated by using subjective questionnaires and measurement
of biosignals in various indoor environments [27]. They reported that the stress was low
in an appropriate indoor environment, and the concentration was increased as activity of
the alpha wave increased. Besides, LF/HF decreased, and SDNN and RMSSD increased,
under a comfortable environment.
Various studies have been conducted on biosignals in humans in rest conditions. Long
et al. [28] examined the effect of music on EEGs during sleep. During one week, the subjects
listened to music for 30 min before sleep. As a result, the spectral density increased in the
LF range (0–3 Hz), whereas it decreased in the HF range, of more than 12 Hz, after listening
to music. Therefore, they concluded that the quality of sleep was improved when music
was used. Lan et al. [29] investigated the effect of indoor temperature on the sleep quality
and the thermal comfort of subjects. EEG analysis showed that it takes longer for the
subject to fall asleep at an environment temperature of 30 ◦ C than at 26 ◦ C. Moreover, they
reported that the duration of the slow-wave sleep was shorter when the room temperature
was outside the neutral range. In addition, various experiments related to EEG analysis in
resting condition were also conducted. Barry and De Blasio [30] analyzed eyes open and
closed during rest to examine the difference in EEG responses between young and older
people. Their results indicated that elderly maintained the responsiveness of the energy
system, compared to young people, and maintained their perception and cognitive abilities
by utilizing additional focus brain activity in the resting condition. Massar et al. [31] and
Pitchford and Arnell [32] confirmed that the θ-wave activity in the rest state was related
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 4 of 15

to reinforcement learning, and the difference in compensation sensitivity explained this

relationship. Additionally, Joshi et al. [33] and Zhu et al. [34] reported that the environment
affected human sleep and awakening, which affected the body’s thermal rhythm. They
also mentioned that it is necessary to analyze the thermal comfort through appropriate
control of the ambient and skin surface temperatures.
Several studies have been conducted on the relationship between the thermal comfort
of the human body under various environments. However, most of the existing thermal
comfort analyses use subjective surveys and single emotional signal analysis, and only few
researches focus on the relationship of various biosignals. In addition, most studies on the
evaluation of thermal comfort apply outdoor temperatures during summer and winter,
which are almost extreme conditions. However, limited research has been conducted
on resting in an indoor condition, where people usually work or study. Therefore, it
is necessary to conduct a study on variations in the biosignals of the human body in
an environment at 27.5 ◦ C, which is considered as a typical indoor temperature during
summer. Furthermore, most of the existing studies on thermal comfort were conducted
during office work, driving, exercise, and sleep, and no EEG studies have been conducted
on short-term rest to improve the quality of rest. In this study, EEG and cardiac activity
status of the human body were analyzed according to changes in various seats during short
rests in summer indoor conditions, and changes in concentration and thermal sensitivity
were also evaluated. This study can provide basic data on the characteristics of short-term
rest conditions, information on the improvement of the quality of rest, and the relationship
between biosignals and attention.

2. Experimental Setup and Methods

In this study, an experimental device was designed to conduct an experimental study
on the subject’s thermal comfort when they taking a break by applying various seats
under indoor condition in summer. Analysis of EEG, cardiac activity status, and subjective
questionnaires of the subject during rest were performed using the experimental setup.

2.1. Experimental Setup

The subjects disposed of electronic equipment and metal accessories before EEG
measurement. The subjects wore an EEG cap, and the EEG was measured only when the
electrode-skin impedance showed a value of 100 kΩ or more, which was assumed as a
stable condition. After EEG measurement, EEGs were analyzed using the TeleScan program
and visualized through three-dimensional brain mapping. In this study, the summer indoor
rest condition was set based on the resting state during work, and the experiment was
performed under clothing conditions, with short sleeves, long pants, underwear, and socks.
To measure the subjects’ EEGs during resting indoors, the EEG device (QEEG-64FX,
Laxtha, Korea) was directly connected with the subject’s head. This is a high-precision
multi-channel wide band biometric system with a three channels bipolar, and it can measure
the biosignal by applying HPF, LPF, and Notch filters according to the target signal. The
EEG measuring equipment used A2 as the reference electrode, and 16 channels were
installed on the subject’s head, as shown in Figure 1. In general, both the left and right
reference electrodes can be used, but, in some cases, the ECG signal can be mixed with
some EEG signals when it is used at the left side. Therefore, the right earlobe (A2) was
attached as the reference electrode in this study. The head was primarily divided into four
parts to analyze the variation of EEG at different parts of the head, as shown in Table 1.
In Figure 1, the frontal lobe zone is composed of prefrontal (Fp1, Fp2), left frontal (F3, F7),
and right frontal lobes (F4, F8); the central lobe zone has the parietal (C3, C4, P3, P4), left
parietal (P7), and right parietal lobes (P8). In addition, the temporal lobe zone has the left
(T7) and right temporal lobes (T8), and the occipital lobe zone has the occipital lobes (O1
and O2). The uBio Macpa device, with a measurement range of 40–200 beats per minute
(BPM) and a measurement error of ±2%, was also used to measure cardiac activity status.
 parts to analyze the variation of EEG at different parts of the head, as shown in Table 1.
In Figure 1, the frontal lobe zone is composed of prefrontal (Fp1, Fp2), left frontal (F3, F7),
and right frontal lobes (F4, F8); the central lobe zone has the parietal (C3, C4, P3, P4), left
parietal (P7), and right parietal lobes (P8). In addition, the temporal lobe zone has the left
(T7) and right temporal lobes (T8), and the occipital lobe zone has the occipital lobes (O1
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 5 of 15
and O2). The uBio Macpa device, with a measurement range of 40–200 beats per minute
(BPM) and a measurement error of ±2%, was also used to measure cardiac activity status.

Figure 1. Electrode positions and lobes at the 16-channel system.

Figure 1. Electrode positions and lobes at the 16-channel system.

Table1.1. Electrode
Table Electrodeposition
positionand
andlobes
lobesfor
forthe
the16-channel
16-channelsystem.
system.
Item
Item Specification
Specification
Frontal
Frontallobe
lobezone
zone Fp1, Fp2,
Fp1, Fp2,F3,
F3,F4,
F4,F7,
F7, F8
Central lobe zone
Central lobe zone C3, C4, P3, P4, P7,
C3, C4, P3, P4, P7, P8P8
Temporal lobe zone T7, T8
Temporal lobe zone T7, T8
Occipital lobe zone O1, O2
Occipital lobe zone O1, O2

The
The EEG
EEG data
data was
was collected
collected using
using the
the TeleScan
TeleScan program
program which
which was
was provided
provided by
by
LAXTHA.
LAXTHA. This program controlled the computerized equipment from the computer side
This program controlled the computerized equipment from the computer side
with
with equipment
equipment control,
control, real-time
real-time data
data collection,
collection, and
and time
time series
series analysis
analysis software,
software, and
and
measured/stored/analyzed in real time. In addition, BrainMap-Addon EEG analysis and
measured/stored/analyzed in real time. In addition, BrainMap-Addon EEG analysis and
3D brain mapping program were used to analysis of EEG frequency. By these programs,
3D brain mapping program were used to analysis of EEG frequency. By these programs,
brain mapping visualization, power, and correlation analysis of EEG analysis results were
brain mapping visualization, power, and correlation analysis of EEG analysis results were
performed. Cardiac activity status was measured by photoelectric pulse wave method.
performed. Cardiac activity status was measured by photoelectric pulse wave method. This
This method is to measure the change of light that passes through the body by irradiating
method is to measure the change of light that passes through the body by irradiating infrared
infrared rays and red light on the surface of the human body in order to measure the
rays and red light on the surface of the human body in order to measure the change in blood
change in blood flow that changes according to the pulsation of the heart
flow that changes according to the pulsation of the heart
In this study, three different seats were employed under indoor rest conditions in
In this study, three different seats were employed under indoor rest conditions in
summer: a basic seat, which is a general office chair, a ventilation seat, in which indoor air
summer: a basic seat, which is a general office chair, ◦a ventilation seat, in which indoor air
circulates, and a cold water-cooling seat, in which 4 C cold water flows using a constant
circulates, and a cold water-cooling seat, in which 4 °C cold water flows using a constant
temperature bath. Figure 2 shows a photograph of seat temperatures using a thermal
temperature
imaging bath.
camera Figure
when the2ventilation
shows a photograph of seat temperatures
and cold water-cooling using
seats are a thermal
applied underim-
an
indoor temperature of 27.5 ◦ C in summer. The measuring range of the thermal imaging
camera used in this study is −20–120 ◦ C, and its thermal sensitivity is <40 mK @f/1.0,
30 Hz, and 300 K. Applying the cold water-cooling seat for 5 min, the temperature of the
seat decreased by 5.7 ◦ C. In general, ventilation seats are widely used in automobiles. In
the ventilation seat, air inflows at the bottom by the fan motor and is discharged through
50 wind-holes, directly flowing to the subject’s body. This can increase the drying of sweat
and rotation of air. Therefore, it improves the control of the body temperature and improves
thermal comfort. In the cold water-cooling seat in summer, the inlet temperature of cold
water is set at 4 ◦ C with a flow rate of 0.1 kg/s by using a 1 cm diameter urethane tube
in the seat, and the constant temperature bath controls the temperature. The temperature
of the cold water supplied from the constant temperature bath to the cold water-cooling
 wind-holes, directly flowing to the subject’s body. This can increase the drying of sweat
and rotation of air. Therefore, it improves the control of the body temperature and im-
proves thermal comfort. In the cold water-cooling seat in summer, the inlet temperature
of cold water is set at 4 °C with a flow rate of 0.1 kg/s by using a 1 cm diameter urethane
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 tube in the seat, and the constant temperature bath controls the temperature. The temper- 6 of 15

ature of the cold water supplied from the constant temperature bath to the cold water-
cooling seat was set to 5 °C, but a cushioning and insulating material were used inside the
seat
seattowas
maintain
set to 5the temperature.
◦ C, As shown
but a cushioning in Figure 2,material
and insulating the temperature
were usedbetween theseat
inside the sub-to
ject and the resting seat was an average of 15 °C, thus it could be proper for
maintain the temperature. As shown in Figure 2, the temperature between the subject and the subject’s
rest.
the By usingseat
resting thiswas
seat,
anitaverage
is possible to ◦actively
of 15 reduce
C, thus it couldthe heat generation
be proper from the
for the subject’s sub-
rest. By
ject’s
using this seat, it is possible to actively reduce the heat generation from the subject’scold
body and effectively reduce the body temperature by direct contact with the body
seat.
and effectively reduce the body temperature by direct contact with the cold seat.

(a) (b)
Figure Infraredcamera
Figure2.2.Infrared camerapictures
picturesofofvarious
variouscooling
coolingseats. (a)TTa a==27.5
seats.(a) ◦ C/ventilation cooling
27.5°C/ventilation coolingseat.
seat. ◦
a =T27.5
(b) T(b) a = 27.5 °C/cold
C/cold water-cooling
water-cooling seat. seat.

2.2.Subject
2.2. SubjectCondition
Condition
In this study, 20 healthy adults were recruited, from which 10 with no history of
In this study, 20 healthy adults were recruited, from which 10 with no history of at-
attention deficit disorder, alcohol or caffeine addiction, or mental illness were selected. The
tention deficit disorder, alcohol or caffeine addiction, or mental illness were selected. The
selected subjects were guided regarding the recommended procedures of the activities to be
selected subjects were guided regarding the recommended procedures of the activities to
executed one week before the experiment. Pretraining was conducted two days before the
be executed one week before the experiment. Pretraining was conducted two days before
experiment, to explain the experiment process and method in detail. In addition, at least
the experiment, to explain the experiment process and method in detail. In addition, at
8 h of sleep were recommended, and substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine were
least 8 h of sleep were recommended, and substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and caf-
restricted one day before the test. The average age and physical condition of the 10 subjects
feine were restricted one day before the test. The average age and physical condition of
of this study are shown in Table 2. Six males and four females with an average age of
the 10 subjects of this study are shown in Table 2. Six males and four females with an
27 ± 3.0, and average height and weight of 63.3 ± 16.6 kg and 179.3 ± 6.2 cm, respectively,
average age of 27 ± 3.0, and average height and weight of 63.3 ± 16.6 kg and 179.3 ± 6.2 cm,
participated in this experiment. The indoor temperature was set to 27.5 ◦ C based on the rest
respectively, participated in this experiment. The indoor temperature was set to 27.5 °C
condition during work indoors in summer, and the amount of clothing was set to 0.35 clo,
based on the
referring to rest
shortcondition during
sleeves, long work
pants, indoors inand
underwear, summer,
socks.and
Thethe amount
subject’s of clothing
metabolic rate
was
wasset to 0.35 clo,
assumed to bereferring to short 1.8
approximately sleeves, long pants,
met, because the underwear, and
subjects only socks. The
answered sub-
a simple
ject’s metabolic and
questionnaire rate rested.
was assumed to be approximately 1.8 met, because the subjects only
answered a simple questionnaire and rested.
Table 2. Anthropometry data of the subjects.

Item Specification
Gender 6 males, 4 females
Age 27 ± 3.0
Weight 63.3 ± 16.6 kg
Height 179.3 ± 6.2 cm
Amount of clothing 0.35 clo
Metabolism 1.8 met

2.3. Experimental Method

In this study, the basic, ventilation, and cold water-cooling seats were applied for
indoor rest condition in summer. Figure 3 shows the experimental process and timetable.
First, after EEG and cardiac activity status measuring equipment were attached to the
subjects, they followed on to the preparation room at a temperature of 25 ◦ C and stayed for
 Metabolism 1.8 met

2.3. Experimental Method

In this study, the basic, ventilation, and cold water-cooling seats were applied for
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 7 of 15
indoor rest condition in summer. Figure 3 shows the experimental process and timetable.
First, after EEG and cardiac activity status measuring equipment were attached to the
subjects, they followed on to the preparation room at a temperature of 25 °C and stayed
formin
20 20 min to adapt
to adapt to the
to the indoorindoor condition
condition in summer.
in summer. In sequence,
In sequence, experiment
experiment on biosig-
on biosignal
nal changes
changes was was conducted
conducted in the in test
the test
roomroom
at aat a temperature
temperature of 27.5 ◦
of 27.5C °C
for for 20 min.
20 min. After
After a
a 20-min
20-min rest
rest onon
thethe
testtest seat,
seat, simple
simple voting
voting andand attention-focused
attention-focused tests
tests werewere conducted,
conducted, as
as shown
shown in Table
in Table 3. After
3. After the the
firstfirst experiment,
experiment, the subjects
the subjects stayed
stayed inwaiting
in the the waiting
roomroom(25 ◦(25
C)
°C)40
for for 40 of
min min of activity.
free free activity.
Then,Then, they remained
they remained for 20 for
min20inmin
the in the preparation
preparation 25 ◦ Cat
room atroom
25adapt
to °C to to adapt to the indoor
the indoor condition. condition. Subsequently,
Subsequently, the ventilation
the ventilation seat wasseat was in
applied applied
the test in
the test
room (27.5 ◦
room C)(27.5 °C) andvoting
and simple simple voting
and and attention
attention concentrationconcentration test was conducted
test was conducted for 5 min
after
for 5 amin
20 min
afterbreak.
a 20 minForbreak.
the cold Forwater-cooling seat, the same
the cold water-cooling procedure
seat, the was applied.
same procedure was
Table 3 shows
applied. Tablea3questionnaire of seven thermal
shows a questionnaire of sevencomfort
thermalpoints
comfort used in this
points usedstudy.
in this study.

Figure3.3.Experimental
Figure Experimentalprocess
processand
andtimetable.
timetable.

Table3.3.Thermal
Table Thermalsensation
sensationvote
vote(TSV),
(TSV),comfort
comfortsensation
sensation vote
vote (CSV),
(CSV), and
and concentration
concentration level
level vote
vote
(CLV)questionnaire
(CLV) questionnairescales.
scales.

Thermal
Thermal Sensation
Sensation Vote Comfort
Comfort Sensation
Sensation Vote Concentration
Concentration Level
Level Vote
Vote
Vote (TSV)
Vote (CSV)
Vote (CLV)
Vote
+3 (TSV)
Hot (CSV)
Very comfortable (CLV)
Very good
+2 Warm Comfortable Good
+1+3 SlightlyHot
Warm Very comfortable
Slightly comfortable Very good
Slightly good
0 Neutral Neutral Neutral
−+2
1 Warm
Slightly Cool Comfortable
Slightly uncomfortable Goodbad
Slightly
−2 Cool Uncomfortable Bad
−+1
3 Slightly
Cold Warm Slightly comfortable
Very uncomfortable Slightly good
Very bad
0 Neutral Neutral Neutral
3. Results and Discussion
−1 Slightly Cool Slightly uncomfortable Slightly bad
In this study, thermal comfort was evaluated by analyzing EEG, heart rate activity
status,
−2 and subjectiveCool
questionnaire according to the type of resting seats (basic,
Uncomfortable Bad ventilation,
cold water-cooling seat) under common indoor condition in summer. The thermal comfort
from the analysis result of EEG and heart rate were firstly presented, and then the results
of comparative analysis on thermal comfort by subjective questionnaires were presented.

3.1. Analysis of EEG and Cardiac Activity Status in the Cooling Condition
Figure 4 shows the average frequency of the subjects’ frontal lobe zone (Fz), central
lobe zone (Cz), temporal lobe zone (Tz), and occipital lobe zone (Oz) during rest using the
basic, ventilation, and cold water-cooling seats at 27.5 ◦ C. The δ-wave (1–3 Hz) and θ-wave
(4–7 Hz) components corresponding to 0–7 Hz were relatively activated in the frontal and
occipital lobes. Moreover, it was confirmed that the average frequency was most activated
when the cold water-cooling seat was used. An increase in the δ-wave activity in the frontal
lobe zone, related to the mood control, and the posterior cortex, associated with signal
processing was observed. The increase in the δ-wave activity indicated that the subject felt
comfortable during rest using various seats, similar to the brain activity when the human
is in a deep sleep. As δ-wave and θ-wave frequencies occur during sleep and drowsiness,
it can be inferred that the use of the cold water-cooling seat provided an appropriate
sleep and drowsiness environment to the subject during rest. The lowest values in the
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 8 of 15

average frequencies of the brain were found in the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) (12–15 Hz)
and mid β-wave components (16–18 Hz) corresponding to 10–20 Hz in all areas. When
the subject was resting, low values of SMR and mid β-wave average frequencies were
obtained because these frequencies occur when the brain maintains concentration in an
active state with positive thinking. After an intermediate frequency of 20 Hz, the average
frequency of the brain gradually increased at high β-wave frequencies (20–30 Hz) and
then slightly decreased at the γ-wave frequencies (31–50 Hz). In this study, the subject
conducted a simple concentration test, such as performing office work before and after a
break. Subsequently, because the subject sat in a chair and rested for a certain period, the
stress caused by the subject’s office work affected the variation of brain activity. In all areas,
the γ-wave activity of the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats decreased by 33.3%
and 42.8%, respectively, compared to that of the basic seat. As a result of the experiment,
the δ-wave frequencies, which are activated when taking proper rest, were most active
when the cold water-cooling seat was used. The θ-wave frequencies, which commonly
occur during sleep and drowsiness, were most active when the ventilation seat was used.
However, the difference in the θ-wave frequencies between the cold water-cooling and
ventilation seat in the temporal and occipital lobes areas was approximately 8%, which is
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 16
significant. Therefore, the use of a cold water-cooling seat can provide a pleasant resting
environment for the subjects.

0.5 0.5
Fz (Ta=27.5oC) Cz (Ta=27.5oC)

0.4 0.4
Amplitude (μV)

Amplitude (μV)

0.3 0.3

0.2 0.2

0.1 0.1
Basic seat Basic seat
Ventilation cooling seat Ventilation cooling seat
Cold water-cooling seat Cold water-cooling seat
0.0 0.0
0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)

(a) Frontal lobe zone (b) Central lobe zone

0.5 0.5
Tz (Ta=27.5oC) Oz (Ta=27.5oC)

0.4 0.4
Amplitude (μV)

Amplitude (μV)

0.3 0.3

0.2 0.2

0.1 0.1
Basic seat Basic seat
Ventilation cooling seat Ventilation cooling seat
Cold water-cooling seat Cold wate-cooling seat
0.0 0.0
0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)

(c) Temporal lobe zone (d) Occipital lobe zone

Figure4.4.Averaged
Figure Averagedfrequency
frequencyspectrum
spectrumover
over1616channels
channelswith
withabsolute
absolutefrequency.
frequency.(a)
(a)Frontal
Frontallobe
lobezone
zone(Fz).
(Fz).(b)
(b)Central
Central
lobe zone (Cz). (c) Temporal lobe zone (Tz). (d) Occipital lobe zone (Oz).
lobe zone (Cz). (c) Temporal lobe zone (Tz). (d) Occipital lobe zone (Oz).

Figure55presents
Figure presentsa graph
a graph of the
of the relative
relative activity
activity ratioratio of brain
of brain waveswaves
in thein the brain
entire entire
brainwhen
area area resting,
when resting, using
using the theventilation,
basic, basic, ventilation,
and cold and cold water-cooling
water-cooling seats at seats at an
an indoor
temperature of 27.5 ◦of
indoor temperature C 27.5 °C during
during summer. summer. Activation
Activation of θ-wave
of θ-wave meansmeans that
that the the sub-
subject is
ject is taking adequate rest, and the activation of SMR and β-wave increases when the
subject is performing concentrated tasks. Activated relative θ-waves represented 23.9%,
32.7%, and 39.6% among brain waves when using basic, ventilation, and cold water-cool-
ing seats, respectively. Therefore, it was confirmed that the relative θ-wave is the most
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 9 of 15

taking adequate rest, and the activation of SMR and β-wave increases when the subject
is performing concentrated tasks. Activated relative θ-waves represented 23.9%, 32.7%,
and 39.6% among brain waves when using basic, ventilation, and cold water-cooling seats,
respectively. Therefore, it was confirmed that the relative θ-wave is the most activated
among various brain waves. In the case of using the ventilation and cold water-cooling
seats, the relative θ-wave increased by 36.8% and 65.5%, respectively, compared to that
when using the basic seat. The proportion of the relative α-wave among brain waves
was 15.9%, 20.5%, and 17.9%, when the basic, ventilation, and cold water-cooling seats
were used, respectively. Moreover, when the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats were
used, the relative α-wave increased by 28.9% and 12.5%, respectively, compared to that of
the basic seat. When using the basic seat, the degree of EEG activation decreased in the
following order: relative θ-wave, relative γ-wave, relative high β-wave, relative α-wave,
relative SMR, and relative β-wave. In the case of using the ventilation and cold water-
cooling seats, the following order was observed: relative θ-wave, relative α-wave, relative
γ-wave, relative high β-wave, relative SMR, and relative β-wave. The relative SMR and
relative β-wave are activated when maintaining concentration while learning or thinking,
and showed the lowest activity during rest in this study. When the ventilation and the cold
water-cooling seats were used, the activation of the relative α-wave was different from
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 16
that using the basic seat. This indirectly indicates that the subject felt more comfortable
during the rest and the external concentration was reduced in this state, compared to the
case when the basic seat was used. In other words, ventilation and cold water-cooling seats
state, compared to the case when the basic seat was used. In other words, ventilation and
provided a more comfortable rest, compared to the basic seat, in summer indoor spaces.
cold water-cooling seats provided a more comfortable rest, compared to the basic seat, in
Overall, the relative θ-wave, which is an indicator of sleeping and comfortable rest, was
summer indoor spaces. Overall, the relative θ-wave, which is an indicator of sleeping and
considerably activated,
comfortable rest, reaching activated,
was considerably a level of reaching
39.6% when using
a level the cold
of 39.6% whenwater-cooling
using the seat.
Therefore, the use of a cold water-cooling seat for resting was the most appropriate
cold water-cooling seat. Therefore, the use of a cold water-cooling seat for resting was the method
to provide
most a suitable
appropriate methodresttoenvironment for the
provide a suitable restsubjects.
environment for the subjects.

Figure Percentage
5.Percentage
Figure 5. of of electroencephalograms
electroencephalograms (EEGs)
(EEGs) with absolute
with absolute frequency.
frequency.

Table44shows
Table showsthethe activation
activation of relative
of the the relative
θ-waveθ-wave and relative
and relative for each for
α-waveα-wave areaeach area
in the subject’sbrain
the subject’s brainwhen
when resting
resting using
using the basic,
the basic, ventilation,
ventilation, and
and cold cold water-cooling
water-cooling
seats at
seats atan
anindoor
indoortemperature
temperature of 27.5
of 27.5 ◦ C during
°C during summer. The difference
summer. in the activity
The difference of activity
in the
relative
of θ-wave
relative and α-wave
θ-wave at the left
and α-wave andleft
at the right hemisphere
and of subject under
right hemisphere various
of subject rest- various
under
ing conditions
resting is shown
conditions in Tablein4. Table
is shown The relative
4. Theθ-wave is more
relative activated
θ-wave is morewhen the venti-
activated when the
lation and cold water-cooling seats are used. Moreover, the most active brain wave
ventilation and cold water-cooling seats are used. Moreover, the most active brain wave is is ob-
tained when using the cold water-cooling seat. Based on this result, it can be concluded
obtained when using the cold water-cooling seat. Based on this result, it can be concluded
that a suitable resting environment was provided to the subjects during the break using
the cold water-cooling seat. When the subject used the basic seat, the activation of the right
hemisphere α-wave was prominent, compared to that of the left hemisphere, and the brain
waves of the frontal lobes were more active than those in other areas. This indirectly indi-
cates that the basic seat is not suitable for the subject’s rest during summer. The use of a
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 10 of 15

that a suitable resting environment was provided to the subjects during the break using
the cold water-cooling seat. When the subject used the basic seat, the activation of the
right hemisphere α-wave was prominent, compared to that of the left hemisphere, and the
brain waves of the frontal lobes were more active than those in other areas. This indirectly
indicates that the basic seat is not suitable for the subject’s rest during summer. The use of
a ventilation seat showed partial activation in the right hemisphere in some central regions
(C3–C4); however, the activation of the left hemisphere in the frontal, temporal, occipital,
Appl.
Appl. Sci. Sci.
2021, 11,2021,
x FOR11,PEER
x FORREVIEW
PEER REVIEW 11 of 1611 of 16
and some central areas showed stronger activity. Thus, it can be inferred that the subject
was in an appropriate state for a comfortable rest, rather than an uncomfortable state. In
Appl.Appl. Sci. 2021,
Sci. 2021, 11, x11,
FORx FOR
PEERPEER REVIEW
REVIEW 11 of11
16of 16
addition, when the cold water-cooling seat was used, there was a weak activation of the
Appl.Appl. Sci. 2021,
Sci. 2021, 11, x11,
FORx FOR
PEERPEER
Table Table
right
REVIEW
4.
REVIEW Brain4.mapping
Brain mapping
hemisphere of θ-wave
inofprefrontal
θ-wave and α-wave
and(Fp1–Fp2)
α-wave and activities
central
activities in various
lobes
in various seat seat types.
(C3–C4).
types. However, the use11ofof11
16of 16

Seat Typethe cold water-cooling seat

Relative is suitable for rest, because activation
θ-Waveα-wave activities in Relative of
Relative the left
α-Wavehemisphere in
Seat Type Table
Table 4. Brain
4. Brain
other areas Relative
mapping
mapping
became of θ-Wave
of θ-wave
θ-wave
stronger. andand various
α-wave activities in various α-Wave
seatseat types.
types.

SeatSeat
TypeType
TableTable 4. Brain
4. Brain mapping
Relative
mapping of
Relativeθ-wave
θ-Wave
of θ-wave and and
θ-Wave α-wave
α-wave activities
activities in various
in various seat seat
Relative
Relative types.
types. α-Wave
α-Wave
Table 4. Brain mapping of θ-wave and α-wave activities in various seat types.
SeatSeat
TypeType Relative
Relative θ-Wave
θ-Wave Relative
Relative α-Wave
α-Wave
Seat Type Relative θ-Wave Relative α-Wave

Basic Basic

Basic
Basic
Basic
Basic Basic

Ventilation
Ventilation cooling
cooling

Ventilation
Ventilation
Ventilation cooling
cooling cooling
Ventilation
Ventilation cooling
cooling

Cold water-cooling
Cold water-cooling
Cold water-cooling

Cold
Cold water-cooling
water-cooling
Cold
Cold water-cooling
water-cooling

At the indoor temperature of 27.5 ◦ C, the relative α-wave was more activated when
At theAt
the ventilation
the indoor
indoor
and cold
temperature
temperature
water-cooling of 27.5 of°C,
seats
27.5 the
were
°C, the relative α-wave
relative
used, α-wave
compared was tomore
was activated
that when
more activated
a basicwhen when
thewas the ventilation
ventilation andwater-cooling
cold water-cooling seats used,
were used, compared towhen
that when basica basic
seat used. Asand shown cold in Table 4, the relative seats were α-wave was compared
more active to thatwhen the acold
seat
At At
the
seat was used. the
wasindoor indoor
used. As temperature
shown
temperature in
of of
Table
27.5 27.5 4,
°C, °C,
the
the the relative
relative α-wave α-wave was was
more moreactiveactivated
activated when when when
the cold
water-cooling seatAs wasshownused.inTherefore,
Table 4, the anrelative
appropriate α-wave restwas more active
environment was when the cold
provided
the the ventilation
water-cooling
ventilation and and
seat
cold cold
was water-cooling
used.
water-cooling Therefore,
seats seats
an
were were
appropriate
used, used, compared
rest
compared environment
to to
that that
when when
was a a
provided
basic basic to
to water-cooling
the subject At in
At the the seat
this
indoor indoorwas
case. used.
When Therefore,
temperature
temperature using
of ofthe
27.5 an
27.5
°C, appropriate
basic
°C,
the seat,
the the rest
relative
relative α-wave environment
activity
α-wave of the
was was
more was
relative
more provided
α-wave,
activated
activated when to
when
seat
the
which seat
the
was
subject was
indicatesused. used.
subject
ina thisAs in
stable As
case.shown
this
shown case.
physical in
When in
TableTable
When
using
and 4, 4,
using
the the relative
the
relative
theseats
psychologicalbasic basic
α-wave
seat,
state, α-wave
seat,
the
was the
was was
activity
lower more more
activity active
of the
than that active
of the
when
relative
for when
relative
other the
α-wave,the
cold cold
α-wave,
the ventilation
the water-cooling
ventilation and and
cold
seat
cold water-cooling
water-cooling seats
were wereused, used, compared
compared to to
that that
when when aseat a basic
basic
which
types. which
water-cooling
indicates
Thus, a indicates
seat
physical a was
stable
andawas
used.used.
stable
physical Therefore,
physical
Therefore,
and
psychologically and
an an
psychological
stable appropriate
psychological
appropriate
environment rest
state, rest
state, environment
wascreated,
environment
was
was lower
not lower
than was was
than
that provided
that
provided
for
compared for
other to
other
tocold
seat
seatthe was
wassubject
used. used.
As As shown
shown in in Table
Table 4, 4, the
the relative
relative α-waveα-wave was was
more more
active active
when whenthe the
cold
to seat
the seatof
the cases
subject
types. types.
in
Thus,
using inThus,
this this
case.
a seat acase.
physical
other When
physical
When
and
types and
usingusing
seat. the
ofpsychologically
Inan the
psychologically
basic
contrast,basicseat,
stable seat,
when stable
the the activity
environment
activity
environment
the ofwas
ventilation of not
the the
was relative
relative
seat not used,
created,
was α-wave,
created,
α-wave,
com- com-
water-cooling
water-cooling seat was was
used.used. Therefore,
Therefore, an appropriate
appropriate rest rest environment
environment was provided
provided to to
which
which
pared pared
to indicates
indicates
the to the
cases a a
casesstable
stable
of using of physical
using
physical
other other
and
types andtypes psychological
psychological
of seat. ofInseat. In
state,
contrast, state,
contrast,
was
when was when
lower
the lower the
than than
ventilation that that
ventilation
for
seat for
other
was other
seat was
the
the seat subject
subject in this
in this case. case. When
When and usingusing the basic
the basic seat,stable seat, the
the activity activity of
of thewas the relative
relative α-wave,
α-wave,
seatwhich
used, the types.
used,
types. theThus,
Thus,
relative relative a physical
aα-wave
physicalα-waveand
activity psychologically
activity was higher
psychologically
was higher than stablethan
that environment
ofthat
environment
the of the seat.
basic basic
was In not not
seat. Increated,
created,particular,
particular, com-
the com-the
which indicates
indicates a a stable
stable physical
physical and and psychological
psychological state,state,
was was
lower lower than than
that that
for for
other other
pared
pared
right right
to to
the
hemisphere the
hemisphere
cases cases
of of
using using
was more
otherother
typestypes
activatedof of in
seat. seat.
the
In In contrast,
occipital
contrast, when
(O1–O2)
when the the
and ventilation
frontal
ventilation lobes
seat seat
was was
(F7–F8).
seat
seatused, types.
types. theThus, awas
Thus,
relative
moreand
a physical
physical
α-wave
activated
and in the occipital
psychologically
psychologically
activity was higher stable
than
(O1–O2)
stable
environment
that of
and frontal
environment
the wasseat.
basic notlobes
was not
created,
In
(F7–F8).
created,com-
particular,
com-
theα-
used,
In the In
the
casethe case
relative of using
α-wave the cold
activity water-cooling
wastypes
higher than seat,
that which
of presented
the basic seat. the
In highest
particular, relative
the
pared
pared to toofthe
the using
cases cases
ofthe ofcold
using using water-cooling
otherother
types of seat,
of
seat. seat.
In which
In
contrast, presented
contrast, when when the
the highest
the relative
ventilation
ventilation seat seat
wasα- was
right
right wave, hemisphere
hemisphere waswas
the strongest more more
right activated
hemisphere
activated in the in activation
the occipital
occipital (O1–O2)
occurred
(O1–O2) andinand
the frontal
frontaltemporal
lobes lobeslobe(F7–F8).
(F7–F8). (T7–T8).
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 11 of 15

the relative α-wave activity was higher than that of the basic seat. In particular, the right
hemisphere was more activated in the occipital (O1–O2) and frontal lobes (F7–F8). In the
case of using the cold water-cooling seat, which presented the highest relative α-wave, the
strongest right hemisphere activation occurred in the temporal lobe (T7–T8). This means
that it is a stable and comfortable condition, and it provides the highest comfort level,
without feeling unpleasant emotions such as anxiety, anger, and depression.
Figure 6 shows the topographical distribution of the average power density of each
frequency band during rest when the basic, ventilation, and cold water-cooling seats at the
temperature of 27.5 ◦ C were used. It can be checked the comparison of several brain wave’s
change at the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes of the left and right hemisphere
during resting using various seats, as shown in Figure 6. The θ-wave, which is activated
during rest, is most active in all areas of the subject’s brain. Particularly, when the cold
water-cooling seat was used, the activation of the θ-wave increased by 65.7% and 20.1%,
respectively, compared to that when the basic and ventilation seats were used. In general,
the SMR and β-waves, which are activated when focusing on an activity, such as learning
or performing serious work, are deactivated in all areas of the left and right hemispheres.
This indicates that the subject was resting in a stable and comfortable environment. In
addition, when the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats were used, the high β-wave,
which is usually present under tension, and the γ-wave, which is present in an excited
state by recognizing a momentary problem, decreased by 26.6%, 32.4%, and 28.4%, 35.9%,
respectively, compared to those of the basic seat. This indirectly indicates that the use of
the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats relieved the subject’s tension, compared to
the use of the basic seat. The α-wave showed similar values at the occipital lobe zone for
all the seat types used. However, for the ventilation seat, the α-wave was improved by
31.4% and 15.1% on average, compared to that when using the basic and cold water-cooling
seats, respectively. Generally, the α-wave is a relatively relaxed EEG, and is particularly
prominent when the eyes are closed. Although no significant difference in the activation of
brain waves between the left and right hemispheres was observed when the basic seat was
used, when the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats were used, the left hemisphere
showed more activation of brain waves in most areas than the right hemisphere. The
activation of the left hemisphere indicates that the subject was not in an anxious state due
to tension or discomfort, and thus a comfortable rest environment suitable for rest was
provided. In this study, the use of a ventilation and cold water-cooling seats provided a
more stable resting environment for the subject than the use of the basic seat.
Figure 7 shows the improvement of biosignals according to seat type, compared to
the basic seat, when the subject rests using the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats at
27.5 ◦ C as the indoor temperature condition during summer. LF/HF, which indicates the
degree of balance of the autonomic nervous system, is known to decrease, owing to the
reduction of activity in the sympathetic nerve during sleep and the increased activity of
the parasympathetic nerve. Compared to the use of the basic seat, LF/HF decreased by
1.02% and 0.85% when the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats were used, respectively.
The BPM decreased by 1.44% and 2.59% using the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats,
respectively, compared to that using the basic seat. The decrease in the subject’s BPM
indicates a reduction in the contractile strength of the heart. Thus, it could be predicted
that the subject’s body temperature decreased when the ventilated and cold water-cooling
seats were used, compared to the basic seat. In a comprehensive analysis, the use of a cold
water-cooling seat is considered to provide the most pleasant environment for the rest in
indoor conditions.
 the activation of brain waves between the left and right hemispheres was observed when
the basic seat was used, when the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats were used, the
left hemisphere showed more activation of brain waves in most areas than the right hem-
isphere. The activation of the left hemisphere indicates that the subject was not in an anx-
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 ious state due to tension or discomfort, and thus a comfortable rest environment
12 of suitable
15
for rest was provided. In this study, the use of a ventilation and cold water-cooling seats
provided a more stable resting environment for the subject than the use of the basic seat.

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 16

Figure 6. Topographical distribution of average power density in each frequency band on the head for various seat types.

Figure 7 shows the improvement of biosignals according to seat type, compared to

the basic seat, when the subject rests using the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats at
27.5 °C as the indoor temperature condition during summer. LF/HF, which indicates the
degree of balance of the autonomic nervous system, is known to decrease, owing to the
reduction of activity in the sympathetic nerve during sleep and the increased activity of
the parasympathetic nerve. Compared to the use of the basic seat, LF/HF decreased by
1.02% and 0.85% when the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats were used, respec-
tively. The BPM decreased by 1.44% and 2.59% using the ventilation and cold water-cool-
ing seats, respectively, compared to that using the basic seat. The decrease in the subject’s
BPM indicates a reduction in the contractile strength of the heart. Thus, it could be pre-
dicted that the subject’s body temperature decreased when the ventilated and cold water-
cooling seats were used, compared to the basic seat. In a comprehensive analysis, the use
Figure 6. Topographical
of a cold water-coolingdistribution of average to
seat is considered power density
provide theinmost
each frequency band on the head
pleasant environment for
for various seat types.
the rest in indoor conditions.
to seat type compared to the basic seat (%)

1.0
LF/HF
Improvement of biosignals according

0.5 BPM

0.0

-0.5

-1.0

-1.5

-2.0

-2.5

-3.0
Ventilation seat Cold water-cooling seat

Figure7.7. Improvement
Figure Improvementof
ofbiosignals
biosignalsaccording
accordingto
toseat
seattype,
type,compared
comparedto
tothe
thebasic
basicseat.
seat.

3.2.
3.2. Analysis
Analysis of
of Subjective QuestionnairesSurvyes
Subjective Questionnaires Survyesininthe
theCooling
CoolingCondition
Condition
Figure
Figure88shows
showsa acomparison
comparisonofof thethe
TSV,
TSV,CSV, andand
CSV, CLVCLVafterafter
rest using the basic,
rest using ven-
the basic,
tilation, and cold water-cooling seats at a temperature of 27.5 ◦ C as the indoor temperature
ventilation, and cold water-cooling seats at a temperature of 27.5 °C as the indoor temper-
condition duringduring
ature condition summer. As a result
summer. As aofresult
the TSV forTSV
of the the basic seat,
for the 50%
basic voted
seat, 50%the neutral
voted the
areas which are “warm” or “not cool,” and the remaining 50% voted for
neutral areas which are “warm” or “not cool,” and the remaining 50% voted for “warm,” “warm,” “hot,”
and “feel
“hot,” andhot.”
“feelHowever, when using
hot.” However, when the ventilation
using seat, 50%seat,
the ventilation of the
50%subjects chose neutral,
of the subjects chose
neutral, as in the case of the basic seat, and 33.3% and 16.7% voted “cool” and “warm,”
respectively. When using the cold water-cooling seat, 71% of the subjects answered “cool,”
and the other 29% answered in a neutral area. According to the analysis of the CSV, when
the basic, ventilation, and cold water-cooling seats were used, the response rate for the
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 13 of 15

as in the case of the basic seat, and 33.3% and 16.7% voted “cool” and “warm,” respectively.
When using the cold water-cooling seat, 71% of the subjects answered “cool,” and the other
29% answered in a neutral area. According to the analysis of the CSV, when the basic,
ventilation, and cold water-cooling seats were used, the response rate for the comfort index
2 indicating satisfaction was the same for all three conditions. However, when ventilation
and cold water-cooling seats were used, the comfort index was higher than 0 (neutral), and
the average comfort level increased by 5.8% and 13.9%, respectively, compared to the basic
seat. Among the three cases, when the subject was resting using the cold water-cooling
seat, all subjects responded with a comfort index of 0 or a little higher, thus it was the most
satisfactory condition regarding thermal comfort. This means that the use of the ventilation
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 16
and cold water-cooling seats provided a comfortable environment to the subject for rest in
the indoor space during summer.

Figure 8.
Figure 8. Comparison of subjective
subjective survey
survey results
results in
in cooling
cooling condition.
condition.

As
As aa result
result of
of the
the analysis
analysis ofof CLV,
CLV, for
for the
the basic
basic seat,
seat, the
the subjects
subjects responded
responded withwith aa
minimum attention index of − 3 to a maximum of 2; however, the percentage
minimum attention index of −3 to a maximum of 2; however, the percentage that re- that responded
with 0 or with
sponded less was
0 or approximately 67.1%, indicating
less was approximately that the concentration
67.1%, indicating of the subject
that the concentration of the
decreased. However,
subject decreased. compared
However, to the basic
compared to theseat, when
basic seat,the
whenventilated and cold
the ventilated andwater-
cold
cooling seats were used, the attention concentration index improved
water-cooling seats were used, the attention concentration index improved by 4.6% and by 4.6% and 32.3%,
respectively, providing
32.3%, respectively, favorable
providing conditions
favorable for improving
conditions the subject’s
for improving concentration.
the subject’s As a
concentra-
result
tion. As a result of a comprehensive analysis of the results obtained in this study, that
of a comprehensive analysis of the results obtained in this study, it is considered it is
the use of the
considered ventilation
that the use ofand
the cold water-cooling
ventilation and coldseats provided aseats
water-cooling pleasant environment
provided to
a pleasant
the subject
environment and increased concentration, compared to the basic seat at an indoor
to the subject and increased concentration, compared to the basic seat at an temperature
of 27.5 ◦ C. Comparing the three options of this study, the cold water-cooling seat provided
indoor temperature of 27.5 °C. Comparing the three options of this study, the cold water-
the highest
cooling seatconcentration
provided the and the concentration
highest most comfortable and condition for rest, according
the most comfortable conditionto the
for
results of the subjective questionnaire.
rest, according to the results of the subjective questionnaire.
4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
In this study, the EEG and cardiac activity status of the human body were analyzed
In thistostudy,
according variousthe EEGofand
types cardiac
seats activity
for indoor reststatus
duringofsummer,
the humanandbody were analyzed
the thermal comfort
according to various types of seats for indoor rest during summer,
was evaluated through a subjective survey. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the δ-wave and the thermal com-
fort was
(39%) andevaluated
θ-wave (30%)through
werea subjective
most activatedsurvey. Asthe
when shown
coldin Figures 4 and
water-cooling 5, the
and δ-wave
ventilation
(39%) and θ-wave (30%) were most activated when the cold water-cooling
seats were used, respectively. The results of the cardiac activity analysis showed that the and ventilation
seats were used, nerve
parasympathetic respectively.
activity The resultswhen
increased of the cardiac
the activity
ventilation andanalysis showed that
cold water-cooling the
seats
parasympathetic nerve activity increased when the ventilation and
were used, compared to that using the basic seat, thus it was concluded that unpleasantcold water-cooling
seats were
feelings, used,
such as compared to that
anger, anxiety, and using
fear,the basic
were notseat, thus it was
generated. concluded
It was that unpleas-
also inferred that the
ant feelings,
subject’s body such as anger, using
temperature anxiety,theand fear, were
ventilation andnot generated.
cold It wasseats
water-cooling also decreased
inferred that
as
the subject’s body temperature using the ventilation and cold water-cooling
the HR decreased, compared to that using the basic seat. In addition, when analyzing the seats de-
creasedofasthe
results the HR decreased,
subjective compared
questionnaires to CSV,
(TSV, that using the basic
and CLV), seat.
the use In addition,
of the ventilationwhen
and
analyzing the results of the subjective questionnaires (TSV, CSV, and CLV), the use of the
ventilation and cold water-cooling seats improved the satisfaction of the subjects for rest-
ing, compared to the use of the basic seat.
Compared to the use of the basic seat, LF/HF decreased by 1.02% and 8.85%,and BPM
decreased by 1.44% and 2.59%, when the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats were
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 97 14 of 15

cold water-cooling seats improved the satisfaction of the subjects for resting, compared to
the use of the basic seat.
Compared to the use of the basic seat, LF/HF decreased by 1.02% and 8.85%, and
BPM decreased by 1.44% and 2.59%, when the ventilation and cold water-cooling seats
were used, respectively, as shown in Figure 7. When the cold water-cooling seat was used,
71% of the subjects indicated they were cool on TSV, which was better than the result
for basic and ventilation seats. According to the results of the pleasant sensitivity survey,
the average thermal comfort using ventilation and cold water-cooling seats increased by
5.8% and 13.9%, and the concentration index increased by 4.6% and 32.3%, respectively,
compared to that of the basic seat. Comparing the three options in this study, the cold
water-cooling seat provided the highest concentration and the most comfortable condition
for resting, according to the subjective questionnaire. Thus, this study can help provide an
effective rest environment during learning, driving, and work.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization: M.L. and Y.S.; methodology: M.L. and H.C.; validation:
H.C. and M.L.; formal analysis: Y.S.; investigation: Y.S. and M.L.; resources: H.C.; writing—original
draft preparation: Y.S.; writing—review and editing: M.L. and H.C.; visualization: Y.S.; supervision:
H.C. All authors have read and agree to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This study was supported by research fund (team research project) from Chosun University,
2020.
Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement: Data is contained within the article.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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