Effects of brief cold exposure on finger dexterity and sensibility in subjects with Raynaud's phenomenon

Treatment of the person with Raynaud's phenomenon is directed toward improving hand function during cold exposure. To assess treatment objectively, hand function after cold stress needs to be assessed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether two-point discrimination and finger dexterity were affected differentially between a healthy sample and subjects with Raynaud's symptoms as a result of exposure to an ice bath. The results showed a decreased performance on the Purdue Pegboard test and in two-point discrimination for both groups. A statistically significant decrease for performance on the Purdue Pegboard test was noted when the Raynaud's group was compared with the control group. Perception of cold pain also was statistically greater in the Raynaud's group but did not correlate with the reduction in finger dexterity. We discuss the use of ice water immersion as a potential evaluation procedure for assessing improved hand function in patients undergoing temperature biofeedback and other treatment methods.