Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
1-2014
Publisher
JoVE
Source Publication
Journal of Visualized Experiments
Source ISSN
1940-087X
Original Item ID
doi: 10.3791/50849
Abstract
Recently research on the relationship between stress and cognition, emotion, and behavior has greatly increased. These advances have yielded insights into important questions ranging from the nature of stress' influence on addiction1 to the role of stress in neural changes associated with alterations in decision-making2,3. As topics being examined by the field evolve, however, so too must the methodologies involved. In this article a practical and effective alternative to a classic stress induction technique, the cold pressor test (CPT), is presented: the cold pressor arm wrap (CPAW). CPT typically involves immersion of a participant's dominant hand in ice-cold water for a period of time4. The technique is associated with robust activation of the sympatho-adrenomedullary (SAM) axis (and release of catecholamines; e.g. adrenaline and noradrenaline) and mildto- moderate activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis with associated glucocorticoid (e.g. cortisol) release. While CPT has been used in a wide range of studies, it can be impractical to apply in some research environments. For example use of water during, rather than prior to, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to damage sensitive and expensive equipment or interfere with acquisition of MRI signal. The CPAW is a practical and effective alternative to the traditional CPT. Composed of a versatile list of inexpensive and easily acquired components, CPAW makes use of MRI-safe gelpacs cooled to a temperature similar to CPT rather than actual water. Importantly CPAW is associated with levels of SAM and HPA activation comparable to CPT, and can easily be applied in a variety of research contexts. While it is important to maintain specific safety protocols when using the technique, these are easy to implement if planned for. Creation and use of the CPAW will be discussed.
Recommended Citation
Porcelli, Anthony J., "An Alternative to the Traditional Cold Pressor Test: The Cold Pressor Arm Wrap" (2014). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 141.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/141
Comments
Published version. Journal of Visualized Experiments, No. 83 (January 2014): e50849. DOI. © 2014 JoVE. Published under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License 2.0.