Temperature influences both haptic perception and force production when grasping

It has been demonstrated that skin contact with cold temperature objects is associated with the perception of moisture. This study monitored force generation to investigate whether the perception of illusory moisture at the fingers is interpreted as a decrease in the coefficient of friction between the surface and finger. Individuals lifted cold and room temperature objects with their index finger and thumb. Participants reported that the cold surfaces were wetter than the room temperature surfaces and generated higher holding forces when grasping the cold object. The study concludes that the haptic system manages the sensory and motor components of cold object perception congruently. The results are discussed in terms of their relevance to work environments involving cold object manipulation; such as, meat packing, fishing, and surgery.Relevance to industryCold temperature exposure has been associated with increased incidences of musculoskeletal pain and perceptions of unpleasantness. Many people are employed in occupations that require that they interact persistently with cold objects. Dissociating the perceptual and motor impacts of cold temperature exposure may help to decrease the prevalence of work related injury caused by low temperatures.