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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Physiological mechanism of digital vasoconstriction training
R R Freedman1, M Morris, D A Norton
1Lafayette Clinic, Detroit, Michigan 48207.
Temperature biofeedback training for vasoconstriction uses the sympathetic nervous system. This contrasts with vasodilation training, which relies on nonneural, beta-adrenergic pathways.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Biofeedback
Background:
- Previous research indicated vasodilation via biofeedback training is nonneural and beta-adrenergic.
- The neural or nonneural pathway for vasoconstriction biofeedback remained undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathway mediating vasoconstriction during temperature biofeedback.
- To determine if other physiological measures correlate with vasoconstriction changes.
Main Methods:
- Nine healthy subjects underwent temperature biofeedback training for vasoconstriction.
- Nerve blocks were applied to one finger to differentiate neural and nonneural contributions to blood flow changes.
Main Results:
- Vasoconstriction occurred in intact fingers during feedback but not in the nerve-blocked finger.
- Increased skin conductance and heart rate accompanied the vasoconstriction response.
Conclusions:
- Temperature biofeedback training for vasoconstriction is mediated by an efferent sympathetic nervous pathway.
- Vasodilation biofeedback training utilizes a nonneural, beta-adrenergic mechanism, distinct from vasoconstriction training.
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