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

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.