Abstract
Purpose
As a preliminary investigation prior to a study involving pregnant women, we conducted a cold-water lord test in adult females to objectively evaluate chilliness (hiesho). In addition, we examined its association with symptoms and physical findings.
Subjects and Methods
The subjects were 45 healthy females. They were instructed to immerse their left hands in cold water (15ºC) for 1 minute (cold-water loading). We measured the finger skin temperature and peripheral blood flow for 10 minutes after loading, and calculated the level of recovery of the dermal temperature as a percentage of the pre-immersion value (recovery rate).
Results
In 9 females (20%), the recovery rate after 10 minutes of the finger skin temperature was less than 90% (unfavorable recovery group). In this group, the finger skin temperature before loading, pre-lording peripheral blood flow, basal metabolic rate, body mass index, and percent body fat were significantly lower than in the favorable recovery group. There was no significant difference in the Hiesyo Sensation Scale. The finger skin temperature before lording (r=0.501), peripheral blood flow before loading (r=0.392), and basal metabolic rate (r=0.368) were correlated with the recovery rate after 10 minutes. However, the accuracy was estimated to be low using regression analysis.
Conclusion
The recovery rate of the dermal temperature after cold-water loading was lower in females showing a lower dermal temperature, peripheral blood flow, and basal metabolic rate. However, there was no association with hiesho-related symptoms.
