Effects of body temperature decrease on color sensation.

Abstract

To investigate the effects of body temperature decrease which occurred along with cold exposure and menstrual cycle, on color sensation, differential limen (DL) and points of subjectively equality (PSE) or red, green, blue and gray colors were measured by using methods of limit in six young female subjects. also, the subjectively preferred complexion was selected. The lowest value in tympanic membrane temperature (Tty) was observed under the cold exposure condition at 15 degrees C in follicular phase. DL of gray obtained during cooling was significantly lower than that during thermoneutral condition in follicular phase. However, DL of green, red and blue were not changed by cold exposure in both menstrual phases. The Munsell value of subjectively preferred complexion selected during cooling was significantly lower than that obtained during thermoneutral condition in follicular phase. Compared with the distribution of Munsell hue of chips selected as preferred complexion in thermoneutral condition, the hue selected in cooling was not shifted to a more reddish one. These results suggest the possibility that brightness sensation rather than color sensation might be increased due to Tty decrease.