Change in Skin Temperature according to Distance of Spraying Cold-jet Stream

Han, Sang Jin; Lee, Kyu Hoon; Kim, Mi Jung; Park, Si Bog

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of changing the distance of spraying cold-jet stream (CS) on pain threshold and skin temperature. METHOD: Twenty one volunteers were examined. -30 degrees C cold-air was applied from 5 cm and 10 cm away to the skin of the right wrist. The following parameters were taken to measure the efficiency of the application: the cooling time for the subject to express pain (1st period), the rewarming time for skin temperature to rise to 20 degrees C at room temperature (2nd period), the re-cooling time again (3rd period), 4th, 5th and 6th time again. RESULTS: Skin temperature that subjects expressed pain was significantly at 10 cm distance than 5 cm. The rewarming speed of skin temperature was slower and slower according to repeat cold-air therapy in two groups. But there is no difference of rewarming time between 10 cm distance and 5 cm. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in rewarming time between 10 cm and 5 cm, hence, applying CS from 5 cm distance for a short period of time would be the more efficient method in terms of time-saving.