Behavioural treatment of post‐traumatic and vibration‐induced digital cold sensitivity

Abstract

Cold sensitivity is a common problem after all types of hand injuries. The aim of the present study was to assess possible effects of treatment by Pavlovian conditioning, a behavioural treatment method for digital cold sensitivity where whole body cold exposure becomes associated with warm hands. Eighteen hand‐injured patients and nine patients with vibration‐induced problems in their hands completed the treatment. Questionnaires and questions, assessment of perception of touch/pressure and skin temperatures after cold provocation, was made before and after the completed period of treatment and after 6 and 12 months. The results indicated subjective improvement in the hand‐injured group in contrast to a lack of response in the vibration group. An increased digital skin temperature after treatment was noted for the vibration‐exposed group only, which however did not persist at 6 and 12 months' follow‐up.

• Blond McIndoe Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS) score
• cold intolerance
• Cold Sensitivity Severity scale (CSS)
• effect size
• induced vasodilation
• Pavlovian conditioning
• Potential Work Exposure Scale (PWES)
• self administered questionnaires