IngentaConnect Facial cold-induced vasodilation and skin temperature during expo...

Authors: Brajkovic, Dragan¹; Ducharme, Michel²

Source: European Journal of Applied Physiology, Volume 96, Number 6, April 2006 , pp. 711-721(11)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

One purpose of this study was to characterize the facial skin temperature and cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) response of 12 subjects (six males and six females) during exposure to cold wind (i.e., −10 to 10°C; 2, 5, and 8 m/s wind speed). This study found that at each wind speed, facial skin temperature decreased as ambient temperature decreased. The percentage of subjects showing facial CIVD decreased significantly at an ambient temperature above −10°C. A similar CIVD percentage was observed between 0°C dry and 10°C wet (face sprayed with fine water mist) at each wind speed. No CIVDs were observed during the 10°C dry condition at any wind speed. The incidence of CIVD response was more uniform across facial sites when there was a greater cold stress (i.e., −10°C and 8 m/s wind). Another objective of the study was to examine the effect of the thermal state of the body (as reflected by core temperature) on the facial skin temperature response during rest and exercise. This study found that nose skin temperature was significantly higher in exercising subjects with an elevated core temperature even though there was no significant difference in face skin temperature between the two conditions. Therefore, this finding suggests that acral regions of the face, such as the nose, are more sensitive to changes in the thermal state of the body, and hence will stay warmer relative to other parts of the face during exercise in the cold.

Keywords: Facial skin temperature; Facial cooling; Wind-chill; Rectal temperature; Exercise

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1007/s00421-005-0115-3

Affiliations: 1: Human Protection and Performance Group, Defence Research and Development Canada - Toronto, 1133 Sheppard Avenue West, M3M 3B9, Toronto, ON, Canada, Email: dragan.brajkovic@drdc-rddc.gc.ca 2: Human Protection and Performance Group, Defence Research and Development Canada - Toronto, 1133 Sheppard Avenue West, M3M 3B9, Toronto, ON, Canada

Facial cold-induced vasodilation and skin temperature during exposure to cold wind