Assessment of Local Cold Tolerance of Individuals by using Conventional and Unconventional Methods Based on Observation of CIVD Reactivity

Cold-induced vasodilatation (CIVD), which occurs in fingers and toes exposed to extreme cold, is a defensive reaction of protecting the extremities against frostbite. Yoshimura and Iida (1950) developed a practical method, based on observation of CIVD reactivity, for assessing peripheral resistance against frostbite (local cold tolerance). Thereafter, many studies using this test method to clarify the factors affecting the local cold tolerance, such as occupation, gender, race, environmental temperature, clothing, ambient pressure and cold acclimatization have been conducted. Recent Japanese clinical studies have suggested that this local cold tolerance test is also useful for evaluating the sympathetic skin vasomotor function and a peripheral sensory nerve disturbance. These tests have, however, consisted of a 30-min immersion of fingers in ice water (0 °C). Under these test conditions, most of the participants have tended to feel much pain and distress, and some have either fainted or had to withdraw prematurely from the experiment as a result. This means that vulnerable individuals, such as older persons or children, cannot participate in this stressful test. Consequently we proposed a simplified and less painful test for assessing the local cold tolerance (1983, 1984), as a substitute for the conventional test. Here I review some Japanese pioneering studies on factors governing the individual difference of the local cold tolerance which Yoshimura and Iida conducted by using their original method (conventional method). Also I refer to a study on applicability of our modified method (unconventional method) for assessing the local cold tolerance and summarize some of our recent findings on the factors affecting the local cold tolerance obtained by using the unconventional method. 1. CLASSICAL DATA BY CONVENTIONAL METHOD The response of cold-induced vasodilatation (CIVD), which Lewis first described as “hunting reaction”, has been found to be related to the severity of cold injuries, those with a higher response are less susceptible to frostbite and vice versa. Yoshimura and Iida developed a practical method, based on observation of CIVD reactivity, for assessing the peripheral resistance against frostbite (local cold tolerance). Thereafter, many studies using this test method to clarify the factors affecting the local cold tolerance, such as occupation, gender, race, environmental temperature, clothing, ambient pressure and cold acclimatization have been conducted. Sawada, S. (2005) Assessment of Local Cold Tolerance of Individuals by using Conventional and Unconventional Methods Based on Observation of CIVD Reactivity. In Prevention of Cold Injuries (pp. 12-1 – 12-6). Meeting Proceedings RTO-MP-HFM-126, Paper 12. Neuilly-sur-Seine, France: RTO. Available from: http://www.rto.nato.int/abstracts.asp. Report Documentation Page Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number.