Influence of cold pain in the hand on skin impedance, heart rate and skin temperature

Twenty-one healthy volunteers took part in the study, the aim of which was to determine the influence of acute pain on skin impedance, skin temperature and heart rate. Acute pain was induced by cold exposure. Skin impedance, heart rate and facial skin temperature were recorded before, during and after the painful stimulation. The skin impedance increased during the stimulation by 24%, heart rate by 6% and skin temperature by 6%. The results show that changes in skin impedance as a result of acute pain can easily be recorded and could be a useful tool in monitoring acute pain. The technique is better than monitoring heart rate or skin temperature.