[Comparison of recovery time in a cold provocation test performed according to Polish requirements and ISO 14835-1 standard].

BACKGROUND

A cold provocation test is used to assess the presence and extent of the peripheral vascular disorders in the upper extremities of workers exposed to hand-arm vibration. A quantitative evaluation of vascular response to cold provocation is determined by measuring the finger skin temperature. In the study two methods of cold exposure were used to assess the effect of water temperature and immersion duration on recovery time in subjects with the acropoikilothermic thermoregulation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the study two cold provocation tests were performed. One test consisted of a 10 min immersion of both hands in cold water at 14 degrees C (Polish requirements) and the second one adequately, of a 5 min immersion in cold water at 12 degrees C (ISO 14835-1:2004 standard). Twenty young (aged 22-24 years) and healthy subjects took part in each test. Finger skin temperature was measured on all fingers of both hands before and after immersion.

RESULTS

The mean recovery time of the cold provocation test was longer in the group examined by ISO 14835-1:2004 standard requirements than in the group examined by the method used in Poland.

CONCLUSIONS

Immersion parameters used in the cold provocation test performed in acropoikilotherms have a significant effect on recovery time.