Psychological and Physiological Responses of Blacks and Caucasians to Hand Cooling
Abstract
This study investigated factors contributing to the susceptibility of Blacks and Caucasians to cold sensitivity. Control measurements were taken for 10 minutes in room air for 112 male subjects (52 Blacks and 60 Caucasians), 18- 41 years of age. Immediately following the control period, one hand was immersed for 20 minutes in 5 C, stirred cold water. Cardiovascular responses and hand blood flow (BF) were monitored once every minute. Middle finger temperature (Tmf) of the immersed and non-immersed hands was measured every 30 sec. Before cold water immersion, Tmf was higher for Caucasians than Blacks. During 20 minutes of cold water immersion, Tmf remained significantly higher in Caucasians compared to Blacks. Lower Tmf in Blacks may be a result of a greater sympathetic response to the cold water stress as noted by the heart rate, blood pressure, and non-immersed BF values during the initial minutes of cold water immersion. Data from this study support previous reports that peripheral cold sensitivity is greater in Blacks when compared to Caucasian individuals of similar age and physical characteristics. Another possible determinant of finger temperature during the cold water immersion test as demonstrated in this study was the level of prior cold weather experience (CE) an individual possessed. Tmf was dependent on level of CE to a greater degree than geographic origin alone. Vasodilation; Frostbite risk factors; Peripheral blood circulation; Cold injury; Tolerances physiology. (edc)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215646
Entities
People
- Donald E. Roberts
- Janet T. Fay
- Patrick Mcneal
- Randy A. Cote
- Ronald L. Jackson
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine