Age Differences in Cutaneous Thermal Sensitivity and Ability of Temperature Evaluation in Japanese Males

Abstract

In the present study, a series of experiments have been performed to discuss changes in temperature evaluation-ability and cutaneous warm and cold sensation thresholds with healthy young, middle-aged, and elderly Japanese males. Fifteen locations in the body have been selected as target locations in the study in order to examine regional difference as well. Local difference was not found to be significant through the ability temperature evaluation test, because the obtained evaluated temperature was almost equal to the given temperature stimulus on the skin surface in each location. In addition, aging effect was not significantly seen in the temperature evaluation test. On the other hand, the results of thermal sensitivity test showed a significant aging effect on both the warm and cold thermal thresholds on the skin surface in each location. The sensitivity to detect warmth or coldness was remarkably greater in the young males than in the middle-aged and elderly males.