Relationships between regional cutaneous thermal thresholds and anthropometric characteristics

Abstract Background The present study investigated whether regional cutaneous thermal sensation is associated with body anthropometrics, particularly subcutaneous fat thickness, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage (%BF). Methods Fifteen young males were classified into normal ( n = 7; BMI: 20.6 ± 2.0 kg/m 2 , %BF: 18.5 ± 4.5%) and obese ( n = 8; BMI: 30.2 ± 4.8 kg/m 2 , %BF: 27.6 ± 7.9%) groups. Warmth, hotness, and heat pain thresholds were measured across 17 body regions using a Peltier stimulator (6.25 cm 2 ). Regional subcutaneous fat thickness was assessed using ultrasound imaging. Results The obese group exhibited significantly higher warmth and hotness thresholds and increase in skin temperature (ΔT sk ) at the neck, abdomen, upper arm, forearm, and buttock than the normal group ( P < 0.05). Group differences were most widespread for heat pain, with the obese group showing higher thresholds and greater ΔT sk across 11 proximal regions ( P < 0.05). The abdomen showed the largest group differences (3.2 ~ 5.0 °C higher thresholds, 3.8 ~ 5.5 °C greater ΔT sk in the obese group), and the strongest positive correlations of subcutaneous fat thickness with thermal sensations ( P < 0.01). In contrast, distal extremities with minimal subcutaneous fat showed no group differences. Overall hotness and heat pain thresholds and ΔT sk were positively correlated with BMI and % BF ( P < 0.05). Conclusions These findings suggest that greater adiposity is associated with higher thermal thresholds and greater ΔT sk (representing lower sensitivity), particularly in body regions with substantial subcutaneous fat.