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

.