An Investigation of the AVAcore CoreControl GloveRoxanne Accola and Kathleen Widmer with Matt EvansDepartment of Physics and Astronomy ♦ University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Experimental Method
• Human skin is a heat radiator system [1]. • Vasodilation dissipates heat through the skin, which is
important for maintaining homeostasis.• The palmar surface is of particular interest in studies of
peripheral circulation [5].• During the aging process, circulation is reduced due to
several factors:• structural changes in collagen and elastin in the skin• thinning of the dermal layer • an increase in the subcutaneous fat and connective
tissue• In individuals with type 2, or adult-onset diabetes mellitus,
these effects are magnified. • In addition, loss of skin moisture results in greater
susceptibility to thermal burns and wounds [2], [6].
Background
Discussion
Introduction
Results
We’d like to extend a thank you to the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Blugold Fellowship, Good Shepherd Senior Apartments, and the Office for Research and Sponsored Programs at UW-Eau Claire.
The AVAcore CoreControl glove has shown potential in improving heat exchange by cooling:• extending endurance during
aerobic exercise in a hot environment [3]
• extended participation in day-to-day physical activities for individuals with multiple sclerosis, despite thermally challenging conditions [4]
References
Acknowledgements
• Due to the medication taken by the elderly subject group, we cannot extrapolate the effects of the CoreControl glove on circulation with complete confidence.
• However, we predict that it would not be a viable treatment option, based on the minimal heating increase and qualitative skin fragility we observed.
• An inherent problem with our experimental design is that the difference between the applied heat and body temperature may not be great enough to produce statistically significant results.
• Based on our trials on young adults, the increase in heating is not significant enough for the CoreControl glove to be considered cost-effective.
• Some subjects showed evidence of restricted blood flow due to the seal of the CoreControl glove
• In the young adult group, heating with a hotplate resulted in a greater overall increase in palm temperature than heating with the CoreControl glove.
This experiment analyzed the effects of the AVAcore CoreControl glove on heat transfer capacity in young adult and elderly subjects. Information on heating capacity could play a significant role in treatment options for poor peripheral circulation, such as the effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Thermocouples were attached at the antecubital surface of the elbow and base of the palm of the right hand.
Heat conduction occurs via the blood
flow to capillaries, arterio-venous
shunts, and anastomoses found in
the dermis.
[1] Kakuta, N., S. Yokoyama, and K. Mabuchi. "Human Thermal Models for Evaluating Infrared Images." IEEE Eng Med Biol Mag 21.6 (2002): 65-72. Print.[2] Petrofsky J Fau - Paluso, Dominic, et al. "The Ability of Different Areas of the Skin to Absorb Heat from a Locally Applied Heat Source: The Impact of Diabetes."1557-8593 (Electronic). Print.[3] Grahn Da Fau - Cao, Vinh H., H. Craig Cao Vh Fau - Heller, and H. C. Heller. "Heat Extraction through the Palm of One Hand Improves Aerobic Exercise Endurance in a Hot Environment.“ 8750-7587 Print.[4] Grahn Da Fau - Murray, Julie Vls, H. Craig Murray Jv Fau - Heller, and H. C. Heller. "Cooling Via One Hand Improves Physical Performance in Heat-Sensitive Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: A Preliminary Study."1471-2377 (Electronic). Print.[5] Marcinkowska-Gapińska, A., and P. Kowal. "Blood Fluidity and Thermography in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Artery Disease in Comparison to Healthy Subjects." Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 35.4 (2006): 473-9. Print.[6] Sivanandam, S., et al. "Medical Thermography: A Diagnostic Approach for Type 2 Diabetes Based on
Non-Contact Infrared Thermal Imaging." Endocrine 42.2 (2012): 343-51. Print.
The AVAcore CoreControl glove and its water heating unit.
SUBJECT DEMOGRAPHICS
YOUNG ADULT
Age Weight, lbs. Height, cm BMI BP
Mean 20 154.5 179 21.9 112/71
St. Dev. 2.1 17.54 4.94 2.73 9.97/14.0
ELDERLY ADULT
Mean 84 169.5 161 29.6 137/70
St. Dev. 8.0 30.38 8.83 4.6 17.5/13
A subject in position for a CoreControl glove trial.
Two young adult subjects showing very different
circulation patterns at the beginning of trials.
EFFECTIVE HEAT INCREASE (°C)*
YOUNG ADULT
HOTPLATE CORECONTROL GLOVE
Arm Hand Arm Hand
Mean 0.814 6.553 -0.561 3.919
St. Dev. 0.673 3.208 1.243 1.800
ELDERLY ADULT
Mean 0.212 2.126 -- --
St. Dev. 0.641 0.974 -- --
• The CoreControl glove’s ability to noninvasively amplify vasodilation was hypothesized to be a suitable treatment for poor peripheral circulation.
A hotplate trial showing a characteristic, notable response to hotplate heating, with
smooth curves.
The same subject’s response to heating with the CoreControl glove, clearly showing repression of the pattern due to heating alone.
Thermograms taken immediately after the heating process. Clockwise from top left: a young adult subject after a hotplate trial, the same subject after a CoreControl glove trial, and an elderly diabetic adult subject after a hotplate trial.
The similarity in heating effects can be seen in the top two images. The poor heat transfer seen in diabetics is clearly shown in the lower left image.
A hotplate trial on an elderly subject, showing characteristically minimal heating.
• Wide variation in circulation patterns and response to heating, in both devices
• Assessed the effectivity of the CoreControl glove by comparing it to the hotplate in two ways:• comparison of the temperature
increase produced, as measured by the thermocouples
• comparison of forearm gradients after heating, as shown in thermographs.
*Of palmar temperature by thermocouple readings.
The subject population was split into ten young adults and ten elderly adults; one of the former with abnormal cardiovascular health was excluded from the results.
Young Adult• Full-time students• More physically active• More strenuous forms of
exercise• Rated sleep as satisfactory• Mean BMI in healthy range• Very few daily medications• Healthy BP
Elderly Adult• Retirees• Used walking as primary
form of exercise• Rated sleep as neutral to
unsatisfactory • Mean BMI in overweight
range• Took multiple daily
medications• Commonly presented with
cardiovascular conditions• Above-average BP
Rings, watches, and other metal
objects were removed during
imaging to avoid undesirable
heat sinks.
Establish a baselineResting data
3 minutes
Apply heat with CoreControl glove
Form seal around wristCreate 40 mmHg vacuum on
handHeat palm at 110°F
(Young adult group only)
10 minutes
Apply heat with hotplateHeat palm at 110°F
(Both groups)
10 minutes
Record skin temperature via thermocouple continuously
Take images with FLIR E50 infrared camera at 1-minute intervals
Remove heat sourceQualitative assessment of
skin
Medical historyPhysical exam
.