Thermal response of paraplegic skin to the application of localized pressure

The skin temperature response of paraplegic skin to application of localized pressure has been measured and compared to the response of nonparalyzed skin. Following pressure release, skin temperature generally increased to a maximum value and then decreased slowly. The peak temperature rise observed was dependent on the magnitude and duration of applied pressure, with higher values of peak temperature rise associated with higher values of both the magnitude and duration of applied pressure. This trend is similar to that observed with nonparalyzed subjects. For both of these groups, the general pattern of temperature response curves are similar, and the magnitudes of peak temperature values are not much different. Skin temperature responses are believed to be due to reactive hyperemia. Pressure magnitudes and pressure application times used were below those needed to cause pressure sore formation.