Study of the mechanism of local thermal sensation affecting overall thermal sensation in Xizang people under asymmetrical dressing

Asymmetrical dressing behavior on the plateau, known as the third pole of the world, leads to varying thermal perception in different body parts. Research on how local parts characterize the overall thermal sensation of the Xizang people has attracted widespread attention. This study used the stepwise regression method to identify which local body parts significantly affect overall thermal sensation and the model for local and overall thermal sensation in the Xizang people under asymmetrical dressing was established. Moreover, the model was optimized considering overall thermal difference and thermal asymmetry degree between the sleeve-on and sleeve-off sides. The results showed asymmetrical dressing angle (ADA) affected the local thermal sensation, resulting in a distribution of “left hot and right cold” for the shoulder, arm, chest, and back. The local thermal sensation range of the Xizang people expands by 1 scale when the ADA increases by every 29°. In cold environments, the peak of thermal comfort percentage at 15° ADA increases by 3.1%/°C. The model elucidated the relationship between local and overall thermal sensation under asymmetrical dressing, with a high fit of 0.97. This study provides insights into the influence mechanism of local and overall thermal sensation of the Xizang people.