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The Influence of the Rate of Stimulus Temperature Rise on Local Skin Thermal Thresholds

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Abstract

The influence of the rate of stimulus temperature rise on the interthreshold interval of the appearance of thermal sensitivity of the skin was studied in 14 male volunteers using the MarStock method. The maximal skin thermal sensitivity was shown to occur at the optimum rate of stimulus increase equal to 0.2°C/s, while an increase in the interthreshold interval at other rates of stimuli predominantly occurs due to the increase in the temperature thresholds of the appearance of warmth sensations. A rapid reaction of the acquisition of a new temperature sensitivity level with a sharp change in the rate of stimulus increase was revealed. A critical view was taken of the increased (up to 1 to 3°C) rate of thermal stimulus presentation used in clinical practice. The physiological mechanisms underlying the regularities obtained are discussed on the basis of known data.

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  1. Institute of Physiology, Siberian Division, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia

    V. E. Divert

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Divert, V.E. The Influence of the Rate of Stimulus Temperature Rise on Local Skin Thermal Thresholds. Human Physiology 28, 575–580 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020230902910

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