Effects of room temperature, seasonal condition and food intake on finger skin temperature during cold exposure test for diagnosing hand-arm vibration syndrome.

For diagnosing the hand-arm vibration syndrome, peripheral circulation and sensory tests immersing one hand in cold water at 10 degrees C for 10 min have been performed widely in Japan. The authors investigated the effects of room temperature, seasonal condition and food intake on the test results, especially finger skin temperature. Six healthy males were examined repeatedly under six different room temperatures at 10 degrees C, 15 degrees C, 20 degrees C, 22.5 degrees C, 25 degrees C and 30 degrees C. Eight healthy males were examined under room temperatures at 10 degrees C, 20 degrees C and 30 degrees C, repeatedly in winter, spring, summer and autumn. Six healthy males were examined in summer under room temperature at 22.5 degrees C repeatedly 1 hr after, 3 hr after meal and after fasting for 13 hr. The finger skin temperature was strongly affected by room temperature. The finger skin temperature was also affected by seasonal condition. No remarkable effect of food intake was observed. For estimating circulatory function of the upper extremities using the finger skin temperature, the room temperature should be strictly controlled and the effect of seasonal condition must be taken into consideration.