Abstract
Sensitivity to cold, which is a popular symptom in Japanese women, is associated with various symptoms such as shoulder stiffness and general fatigue. However, an association of sensitivity to cold with muscle strength has not been reported. The aim of the study was to clarify the associations of sensitivity to cold with handgrip strength and with menstruation-related symptoms in female university students in Japan. We recruited 278 female university students in Japan. Sensitivity to cold and menstruation-related symptoms including physical and psychological symptoms were assessed by using a self-administered questionnaire that we designed. Handgrip strength was measured by using a handgrip strength dynamometer. We received responses from 269 students. The prevalence rate of sensitivity to cold in the subjects was 54.3%. The students who had sensitivity to cold had a lower handgrip strength level (25.5 ± 3.8 kg) than did the students who did not have sensitivity to cold (26.7 ± 3.9 kg) (p = 0.017). Sensitivity to cold was associated with low body mass index. In addition, the students who had sensitivity to cold tended to have low back pain and constipation during menstruation. In conclusion, sensitivity to cold is an important symptom associated with muscle strength as well as menstruation-related symptoms for young women.
Highlights
Autonomic thermoregulation in response to cold exposure differs in healthy individuals [1]
Sensitivity to cold is an important symptom associated with muscle strength as well as menstruation-related symptoms for young women
We showed that handgrip strength was associated with degree of depression and anxiety during menstruation in female university students in Japan [15]
Summary
Autonomic thermoregulation in response to cold exposure differs in healthy individuals [1]. It has been reported that cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet is common in East Asians, especially women [4]. There have been few studies on the association of sensitivity to cold in young women with menstruation-related symptoms including physical and psychological symptoms during menstruation. It has been reported that lower handgrip strength was associated with psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety [13] [14]. We showed that handgrip strength was associated with degree of depression and anxiety during menstruation in female university students in Japan [15].
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