title: Neurosensory and vascular function after 14 months of military training comprising cold winter conditions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to examine the effects of 14 months of military training comprising cold winter conditions on neurosensory and vascular function in the hands and feet.
  
  
  METHODS
  Military conscripts (N=54) were assessed with quantitative sensory testing comprising touch, temperature, and vibration perception thresholds and finger systolic blood pressure (FSBP) after local cooling and a questionnaire on neurosensory and vascular symptoms at both baseline and follow-up. Ambient air temperature was recorded with body worn temperature loggers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The subjects showed reduced sensitivity to perception of touch, warmth, cold and vibrations in both the hands and feet except from vibrotactile perception in digit two of the right hand (right dig 2). Cold sensations, white fingers, and pain/discomfort when exposed to cold as well as pain increased in both prevalence and severity. There were no statistically significant changes in FSBP after local cooling.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fourteen months of winter military training comprising cold winter conditions reduced sensation from touch, warmth, cold, and vibrotactile stimulus in both hands and feet and increased the severity and prevalence of symptoms and pain. The vascular function in the hands, measured by FSBP after local cooling, was not affected.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sundsvall Hospital, Sundsvall, SE-851 86 Sweden. daniel.carlsson@lvn.se.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Carlsson
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pettersson
authors.forename: Lage
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Burström
authors.forename: Tohr
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nilsson
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wahlström
mesh_terms: D001775:Blood Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply; D018409:Foot Injuries; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D058748:Pain Perception / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult