Högskolan i Skövde

Objective: This study sought to examine the intricate interplay between temperature manipulation and touch perception, considering aspects such as location preference, sensation, and lateralization.

Methods: Using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, we compared post-manipulation VAS scores relating to various touch perceptions against baseline scores. Touch sensations were segregated into self-touch and other-touch categories, each further divided based on motor actions (stroke, tap, hold).

Results: The findings reveal that temperature significantly influences touch location preference, with a shift in self-touch perceptions leaning more to the left and other-touch more to the right. Different motor actions resulted in varied touch temperature perceptions; tapping and holding motor actions were particularly influenced by temperature changes. Surprisingly, cooler hand temperatures did not substantially alter touch lateralization in self-touch types.

Conclusion: Temperature manipulation has a profound effect on touch perception, providing insights into the adaptability of the human sensory system to environmental changes.