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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-09-2013 | Original Article

The contribution of blood flow to the skin temperature responses during a cold sensitivity test

Authors: Martha Davey, Clare Eglin, James House, Michael Tipton

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 9/2013

Abstract

Purpose

The presumption in a cold sensitivity test (CST) used for cold injuries is that the skin temperature (T _sk) observed reflects the return of blood flow to the extremity following a local cold challenge. We questioned this assumption.

Methods

Six non-cold injured participants undertook two CSTs in 30 °C air. The control (CON) CST involved 12 min gentle exercise prior to immersing the foot into 15 °C water for 2 min followed by 15 min of spontaneous rewarming. The occlusion (OCC) CST was the same except that blood flow to the foot was occluded during the rewarming period. These results were compared to CSTs from six individuals with non-freezing cold injury and moderate–severe cold sensitivity (CS) and a non-perfused human digit model (NPDM).

Results

Before immersion, great toe skin blood flow (SkBF) was similar in CON and OCC conditions [255 (107) laser Doppler units (LDU)] and was higher than CS [59 (52) LDU]. During rewarming, SkBF in CON returned to 104 % of the pre-immersion value and was higher than both OCC and CS. Great toe T _sk before immersion was lower in CS [28.5 (2.1) °C] compared to CON [34.7 (0.4) °C], OCC [34.6 (0.9) °C] and NPDM [35.0 (0.4) °C]. During rewarming skin/surface temperature in OCC, CS and NPDM were similar and all lower than CON.

Conclusions

SkBF does contribute to the skin rewarming profile during a CST as a faster rate of rewarming was observed in CON compared to either OCC or NPDM. The lower T _sk in CS may be due to a reduced basal SkBF.

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Title: The contribution of blood flow to the skin temperature responses during a cold sensitivity test
Authors: Martha Davey
Clare Eglin
James House
Michael Tipton
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 9/2013
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2678-8

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The contribution of blood flow to the skin temperature responses during a cold sensitivity test

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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