Skin surface temperature gradients as a marker of cold-induced vasoconstriction

Authors

• CJ Duckworth
• BP Leitner
• RJ Brychta
• KY Chen

Abstract

Background Vasoconstriction plays an important role in minimizing heat loss in cold temperatures. Because blood is shunted away from the periphery, changes in skin surface temperature (Tsk) gradients (forearm-to-finger and deltoid-to-hand) have been used as inexpensive and robust surrogate markers of vasoconstriction. The aim of this study was to compare dynamic Tsk gradient changes to a direct reference measure of blood flow (BF) in response to whole body cooling. Methods We acclimated 4 young participants (22.3 ± 1.0 years, 1 man) in standardized clothing (clo= 0.36) to a 28oC room for 30 minutes until Tsk achieved a steady state (

Scientific Focus Area: Systems Biology

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