Modification of skin temperature by biofeedback procedures

Abstract

The modification of finger skin temperature by biofeedback procedures was studied. Forty subjects were divided into four groups of 10: (1) temperature increase group, (2) temperature decrease group, (3) control group A—subjects instructed to be seated without receiving feedback, and (4) control group B—subjects given false feedback. The subjects were not informed of the aim of the experiment, but told to keep the red light (indicating rise of temperature) or the green light (fall of temperature) on as long as possible. Our results suggest that it is possible to have voluntary control of finger skin temperature by biofeedback procedures.