Abstract
Individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) have impaired autonomic thermoregulation, causing a loss of vasomotor control and sweating below the level of lesion due to the disruption of the sympathetic nervous system. Their change in body core temperature can therefore be more pronounced than in able-bodied individuals when they face thermal challenges, such as experienced in the heat, cold or during exercise. Consequently, for individuals with a SCI it is important to be able to control body temperature with behavioural thermoregulation which is influenced by thermal comfort and sensation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of increased ambient temperature on thermoregulatory responses and perceptual responses of thermal sensation and comfort in individuals with a SCI.
Highlights
Individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) have impaired autonomic thermoregulation, causing a loss of vasomotor control and sweating below the level of lesion due to the disruption of the sympathetic nervous system
Mean skin temperature at baseline was lower in SCI than in AB (32.9 (0.4) °C vs 33.7 (0.5) °C, p < 0.05)
Mean skin temperature remained lower in SCI than AB as ambient temperature increased (p < 0.05)
Summary
Individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) have impaired autonomic thermoregulation, causing a loss of vasomotor control and sweating below the level of lesion due to the disruption of the sympathetic nervous system. Their change in body core temperature can be more pronounced than in able-bodied individuals when they face thermal challenges, such as experienced in the heat, cold or during exercise. For individuals with a SCI it is important to be able to control body temperature with behavioural thermoregulation which is influenced by thermal comfort and sensation.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
