Feedback-aided self-regulation of skin temperature with a single feedback locus. I. Acquisition and reversal training.

A technique has been developed that enables most humans to establish rapid self-regulatory control of their own skin temperature when provided with immediate visual feedback information concerning variations in local skin temperature. Training took place during 15-min periods within 45-min sessions. Clear evidence of learning was usually manifested within 4 sessions. After acquisition occurred, mean change per session was approximately 2.2 degrees F, ranging up to 6.5 degrees F. Training was continued with some subjects who were taught to alter temperature in opposite directions during successive periods on the same day. After practice, these subjects routinely displayed ranges of 9-14 degrees F within 15 min.