29th Annual Student Research Conference
Large-Scale Differences between Dorsal and Ventral Hand Temperature Sites
Zachary M. Meehan*, Nikhitha Bhuma, and Daniel Gilbert
Dr. Fred Shaffer, Faculty Mentor
This parametric study was designed to compare skin temperatures obtained from six dorsal and ventral placements on each hand. This methodological issue has not been previously addressed in published studies and could influence temperature measurements. Forty-two subjects (22 women and 20 men), ages 18 to 26, participated in this study. In this within-subjects design, participants were randomly assigned to either start measurement from the dorsal or ventral aspect of the hand. Circles were drawn on 24 sites, serving as targets for recording temperatures using a Raytek Raynger. The ventral surface of the left middle finger was warmer than the dorsal surface. On the web dorsum, the dorsal web dorsum was warmer than the ventral surface. Findings suggest that large-scale temperature differences between dorsal and ventral sites can be found on the left and right hands, and that clinicians and researchers should standardize placements to reduce measurement variability.
Keywords: Skin Temperature, Biofeedback
Topic(s):Biology
Psychology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 4-3
Location: GEO-SUB
Time: 3:30