Hand Cooling With Ice Packs in Healthy Young Men

This randomized, parallel-group study looked at how a standard 15-minute ice pack applied to the back of the hand affects skin temperature and how cold and comfortable the hand feels, compared with a room-temperature water pack. Healthy young men were randomly assigned to one of the two groups during a single laboratory visit. Skin temperature was measured before, during, and after the application, and participants rated their thermal sensation (how cold/warm they felt) and overall comfort. The main outcome was the change in hand skin temperature right after the 15-minute application. Additional outcomes included comfort and cold-feeling ratings and how quickly skin temperature returned toward baseline during recovery. This was a minimal-risk study; expected short-term effects included temporary cold, numbness, redness, or mild discomfort. No medicines or invasive procedures were used.