Effect of temperature on handgrip holding time.

The effect of intramuscular temperature upon the holding time of 70% MVC handgrip contraction was studied in 12 college-age men. The intramuscular temperature was regulated by 30 minutes immersion of the forearm and hand in a waterbath at 18 degrees C, 35 degrees C, or 45 degrees C. Elevating intramuscular temperature significantly reduced the holding time duration, (25.7 +/- 6.2 vis 38.3 +/- 8.1, P less than 0.01), while reducing the temperature had no significant effect (37.5 +/- 9.4 vis 38.3 +/- 8.1, N.S.).