Effect of Ambient Temperature on Biofeedback-Assisted Control of Peripheral Skin Temperature

摘要

The focus of this project was to assess systematically the effect of ambient temperature variation on biofeedback-assisted control and self-control (in the cold) of peripheral skin temperature increases. Ability to voluntarily control peripheral circulation in the cold, specifically learning to counteract cold-induced vasoconstriction, may have value in protecting individuals from cold-induced reductions in manual dexterity and sensitivity, as well as cold-related injury. Such training is of potential importance in increasing hand efficiency when personnel are operating precision equipment under cold environmental conditions. There were four related experiments, each using normal human subject volunteers trained to increase peripheral skin temperature. Factors distinguishing successful from unsuccessful studies are discussed, with emphasis on cognitive mediational strategies that may be employed in successful studies.