Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 68, Issue 2 540-543, Copyright © 1990 by American Physiological Society
Body composition and skin temperature variation
J. Frim, S. D. Livingstone, L. D. Reed, R. W. Nolan and R. E. Limmer
Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine, Downsview, Ontario, Canada.
Temperature variations near four common torso skin temperature sites were
measured on 17 lightly clad subjects exposed to ambient temperatures of 28,
23, and 18 degrees C. Although variations in skin temperature exceeding 7
degrees C over a distance of 5 cm were observed on individuals, the mean
magnitude of these variations was 2-3 degrees C under the coolest condition
and less at the warmer temperatures. There was no correlation between the
temperature variation and skinfold thickness at a site or with estimations
of whole body fat content. These findings imply that errors in mean skin
temperature measurement could arise from probe mislocation and/or
subcutaneous fat distribution and that the problem becomes more acute with
increasing cold stress. However, the magnitudes of these errors cannot be
easily predicted from common anthropometric measurements.
