Strategies for Autoregulation of Peripheral Skin Temperature

Abstract

The present study examined different mental strategies for effective and rapid regulation of skin temperature in adjacent areas. In the main study, subjects ( N = 10) were asked to achieve mentally a maximal temperature difference between the right index and the right little fingers within 25 minutes. In a control group ( N = 10), possible effects of a temperature-influencing device (cold and warm water bags on the left hand) on the right index and little fingers were examined. Because results were impressive, a series of similar studies was conducted. The results demonstrate the efficacy of mental strategies for a differential thermoregulation of adjacent skin areas (between 1 and 3 cm). Possible explanations and implications are discussed.