29th Annual Student Research Conference
Quantifying Thigh Artifact during Hand Temperature Measurement
Zachary M. Meehan* and Woodrow Gardiner
Dr. Fred Shaffer, Faculty Mentor
Thigh artifact occurs when a thermistor is warmed by heat radiated by the thigh. This within-subjects study investigated the magnitude of this phenomenon during temperature measurement and whether a towel placed over the thigh could reduce it. Thirty-nine undergraduates, 20 women, 19 men, ages 18 to 25, participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: thermistors placed over the thigh (contact) or thermistors insulated by a towel placed over the thigh (insulation). Thermistors were placed on the palmar side of the distal phalanx of the left and right middle fingers and thumbs. Temperature was recorded for 5 minutes in each condition with a 3-minute buffer in between. Four fingers were warmer in the contact than the insulation condition. These data confirm the existence of a thigh artifact and support positioning a towel over the thigh when instructing clients to place their hands in their laps.
Keywords: Thigh Artifact, Temperature, Biofeedback
Topic(s):Biology
Psychology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 4-4
Location: GEO-SUB
Time: 3:30