CASE STUDY INVESTIGATING DAILY FLUCTUATIONS IN CORE AND REGIONAL SKIN TEMPERATURES IN A PERSON WITH TETRAPLEGIA
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Date
2023-05-15
Authors
Llew-Williams, Sarah
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Abstract
Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) directly affects to a person’s ability to regulate core temperature, increasing their risk for hypo- and hyperthermia. Cognitive performance is also affected when exposed to low ambient temperatures. Although anecdotal reports of hypo- and hyperthermia exist, there are significant gaps in understanding how frequently core temperature fluctuations daily, and how varied ambient temperatures and exercise affect core temperature. An abbreviated literature review was conducted to partially address these gaps.
Objective: To determine the presence of circadian rhythm and the effects of environmental temperature and exercise on the regulation of core temperature in a person with cervical SCI.
Methods: An individual with cervical-level SCI had their core temperature continuously recorded over two seven-day periods during a warm (July) and a cold (November) season. Surface skin temperature and daily activity were also recorded in November. Daily minimum-maximum fluctuations were measured as well as periods of hypo- and hyperthermia.
Results: Daily core temperature fluctuated an average 2.36°C ± 1.4°C in November, and 1.89°C ± 0.8°C in July. The participant demonstrated 17 instances of sub-normal core temperature and 3 instances of hyperthermia in November. An additional 12 instances of sub-normal core temperature and 12 instances of hyperthermia were observed in July. These findings demonstrate the relatively high frequency and duration of sub-normal and hyperthermic core temperatures experienced by this person with cervical SCI, despite taking steps to maintain a comfortable core temperature.
Conclusion: These findings indicate temperature-related life quality of persons with cervical level SCI may be commonly and significantly impaired. This suggests the need to identify better means to monitor and pre-emptively regulate core temperatures in this population under different environmental conditions.