Characterization of Corticospinal Excitability During Progressive Skin Cooling

Characterization of Corticospinal Excitability During Progressive Skin Cooling

This study characterizes the changes in corticospinal excitability that accompany basic cold stress via skin cooling that result in reduced skin or core temperature and shivering.

Cold stress is known to impair both fine and gross motor movement. Reductions in performance may have life threatening consequences in survival situations where maintenance of muscle control is necessary. Much of the effects cooling has on muscle performance is directly due to its effects on muscle tissue itself, whereas less is known about the effects on the central nervous system. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to characterize corticospinal excitability that accompanies basic cold stress via progressive skin cooling, resulting in reductions in skin (Tsk) or core (Tco) temperature and shivering.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy adult
• Right Handed
• Pass Magnetic Stimulation Safety Checklist
• Pass Medical Screening Questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

• Left Handed
• Any adverse responses to cold exposure (Raynaud's Syndrome)
• Cardiorespiratory Disease