Neurosensory and vascular function after 14 months of military training comprising cold winter conditions

Abstract

Results showed a quantifiable impaired neurosensory function and congruent symptom reports after 14 months of winter military training comprising cold winter conditions. The results suggest that prolonged exposure to cold impair sensory nerve function in the hands.Affiliation:

Cold sensitivity and associated factors: a nested case–control study performed in Northern Sweden

“…However, in an earlier study we demonstrated that high-cumulative ambient cold exposure in the general population is positively related to symptoms of cold sensitivity, even in the absence of overt cold injury (Stjernbrandt et al 2017 ). A recently published study on heavily cold-exposed Swedish military conscripts showed a significant increase in symptoms of cold sensitivity after winter training, present also in subjects where no cold injury had been reported (Carlsson et al 2016 ). Earlier reports from the Falklands War revealed marked cold sensitivity in British servicemen with mild or even subclinical cases of cold injury (Thomas and Oakley 2001 ).…”

“…The experience of cold sensitivity is influenced by psychological factors (Carlsson et al 2010a ), and recent laboratory studies have shown a more pronounced pain response to a cold pressor test among individuals with high anxiety sensitivity (Dodo and Hashimoto 2017 ). Additionally, perception thresholds to cold and pain are often assessed by psychophysical methods, where the responses are modulated by psychological factors (Carlsson et al 2016 ). The present study did not include psychological variables, and this topic remains an important issue for further research.…”

The effects of short‐term and long‐term exposure to extreme cold environment on the body’s physiological responses: An experimental study

“…These effects can be due to long‐term exposure to extreme cold air in the outdoor environment during cold season. Carlsson et al () also reported that the military participants exhibited reduced sensitivity to sensation of touch in body extremities after 14 months of military training in cold season. However, after short‐term exposure to cold environment, the control group showed lower finger skin temperatures and finger sensation levels than the case group.…”

“…I G U R E 6 The scatter plots of the cold strain index compared to finger skin temperature F I G U R E 7 The scatter plot of the finger sensation levels compared with finger skin temperatures F I G U R E 8 The scatter plot of the body fat percentage compared to BSAF I G U R E 9The finger sensation levels of two groups before and after cold exposure Before exposure to the extreme cold environment, the empirical baseline measurements showed the mechanic workers (case group) had lower sensation levels and finger skin temperature than the control group. These effects can be due to long-term exposure to extreme cold air in the outdoor environment during cold season Carlsson et al (2016). also reported that the military participants exhibited reduced sensitivity to sensation of touch in body extremities after 14 months of military training in cold season.…”

“…It should be noted that the scientific literature on human cold adaptation is scarce in comparison with heat adaptation. Carlsson, Pettersson, Burstrom, Nilsson, and Wahlstrom () investigated the neurosensory and vascular functions following 14 months of military training (a proportion of which took place in cold winter). The military participants exhibited reduced sensitivity to sensation of touch, warmth, cold, and vibrations in both their hands and feet.…”