VOLITIONAL VASOMOTOR LABILITY AND VASOMOTOR CONTROL

This experiment tested the hypothesis that skin temperature variabilit y during instructions to attempt skin temperature self-control without feedback (volitional vasomotor lability) predicts the acquisition of vasomotor control through biofeedback training. Skin temperature was r ecorded from the hands of 232 volunteers during a screening session. T wenty-three labile and 17 stabile subjects were chosen to participate in a 16-session training program under double blind conditions. Visual and auditory feedback were used to train subjects to produce temperat ure differences between the two hands in a specified direction. Compar isons between the labile and stabile groups revealed statistically sig nificant differences in the predicted direction on measures of perform ance and learning. These findings provide preliminary support for the hypothesized positive relationship between volitional temperature vari ability and voluntary vasomotor control. Fruitful directions for futur e research are suggested.