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13 pages, 1130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychophysiological Assessment of Children with Cerebral Palsy during Robotic-Assisted Gait Training through Infrared Imaging

by David Perpetuini, Emanuele Francesco Russo, Daniela Cardone, Roberta Palmieri, Chiara Filippini, Michele Tritto, Federica Pellicano, Grazia Pia De Santis, Raffaello Pellegrino, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò, Serena Filoni and Arcangelo Merla

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15224; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215224 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2228

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurologic pathology representing a leading cause of spasticity and concerning gait impairments in children. Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) is widely employed to treat this pathology to improve children’s gait pattern. Importantly, the effectiveness of the therapy is [...] Read more.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurologic pathology representing a leading cause of spasticity and concerning gait impairments in children. Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) is widely employed to treat this pathology to improve children’s gait pattern. Importantly, the effectiveness of the therapy is strictly related to the engagement of the patient in the rehabilitation process, which depends on his/her psychophysiological state. The aim of the study is to evaluate the psychophysiological condition of children with CP during RAGT through infrared thermography (IRT), which was acquired during three sessions in one month. A repeated measure ANOVA was performed (i.e., mean value, standard deviation, and sample entropy) extracted from the temperature time course collected over the nose and corrugator, which are known to be indicative of the psychophysiological state of the individual. Concerning the corrugator, significant differences were found for the sample entropy (F (1.477, 5.907) = 6.888; p = 0.033) and for the mean value (F (1.425, 5.7) = 5.88; p = 0.047). Regarding the nose tip, the sample entropy showed significant differences (F (1.134, 4.536) = 11.5; p = 0.041). The findings from this study suggests that this approach can be used to evaluate in a contactless manner the psychophysiological condition of the children with CP during RAGT, allowing to monitor their engagement to the therapy, increasing the benefits of the treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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11 pages, 2109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Twelve-Month Evaluation of Temperature Effects of Radiotherapy in Patients after Mastectomy

by Agnieszka Baic, Dominika Plaza, Barbara Lange, Łukasz Michalecki, Agata Stanek, Krzysztof Ślosarek and Armand Cholewka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052834 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1996

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the changes in the temperature distribution within the breast at twelve months after the end of radiotherapy for breast cancer. The study included twenty-four women. The first test group consisted of twelve women who underwent [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to verify the changes in the temperature distribution within the breast at twelve months after the end of radiotherapy for breast cancer. The study included twenty-four women. The first test group consisted of twelve women who underwent breast mastectomy and qualified for radiotherapy according to standard medical treatment procedures. The second group included twelve healthy women. The tests were conducted before treatment with radiation therapy and two months, six months, nine months, and one year after the end of treatment. The mean temperature values changed depending on the time that had elapsed since the end of treatment. The highest temperature increase in all patients was observed six months after the end of radiotherapy. This research has confirmed that the assessment of temperature changes in the breast area after radiotherapy can evaluate the severity and lesions in the time course of the radiation reaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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11 pages, 14274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reproducibility of Skin Temperature Response after Cold Stress Test Using the Game Ready System: Preliminary Study

by Jose Ignacio Priego-Quesada, Alexis Gandia-Soriano, Maria Teresa Pellicer-Chenoll, Ignacio Catalá-Vilaplana, Jose Luis Bermejo-Ruiz, Alberto Encarnación-Martínez, Rosario Salvador-Palmer and Rosa Cibrián Ortiz de Anda

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8295; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168295 - 5 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2453

Abstract

The objective of this preliminary study was to determine the reproducibility of lower limbs skin temperature after cold stress test using the Game Ready system. Skin temperature of fourteen participants was measured before and after cold stress test using the Game Ready system [...] Read more.

The objective of this preliminary study was to determine the reproducibility of lower limbs skin temperature after cold stress test using the Game Ready system. Skin temperature of fourteen participants was measured before and after cold stress test using the Game Ready system and it was repeated the protocol in four times: at 9:00, at 11:00, at 19:00, and at 9:00 h of the posterior day. To assess skin temperature recovery after cold stress test, a logarithmic equation for each region was calculated, and constant (β₀) and slope (β₁) coefficients were obtained. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error (SE), and within-subject coefficient of variation (CV) were determined. No differences were observed between measurement times in any of the regions for the logarithmic coefficients (p > 0.38). Anterior thigh (β₀ ICC 0.33–0.47; β₁ ICC 0.31–0.43) and posterior knee (β₀ ICC 0.42–0.58; β₁ ICC 0.28–0.57) were the regions with the lower ICCs, and the other regions presented values with a fair and good reproducibility (ICC > 0.41). Posterior leg was the region with the better reproducibility (β₀ ICC 0.68–0.78; β₁ ICC 0.59–0.74; SE 3–4%; within-subject CV 7–12%). In conclusion, cold stress test using Game Ready system showed a fair and good reproducibility, especially when the posterior leg was the region assessed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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12 pages, 2378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Effects of Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Hard-to-Heal Wounds—A Pilot Study

by Teresa Kasprzyk-Kucewicz, Armand Cholewka, Beata Englisz-Jurgielewicz, Romualda Mucha, Michał Relich, Marek Kawecki, Karolina Sieroń, Patrycja Onak and Agata Stanek

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6737; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136737 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3092

Abstract

Clinical studies have been performed to evaluate the thermal response of topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy (THBOT) in patients suffering from hard-to-heal wounds diagnosed as venous leg ulcers located on their lower extremities. It was found that this therapy leads to a temperature decrease [...] Read more.

Clinical studies have been performed to evaluate the thermal response of topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy (THBOT) in patients suffering from hard-to-heal wounds diagnosed as venous leg ulcers located on their lower extremities. It was found that this therapy leads to a temperature decrease in areas around the wound. Moreover, a minor temperature differentiation between all areas was seen in the third period of topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy (THBOT) that may suggest that microcirculation and thermoregulation improvement start the healing process. On the other hand, the results of the conducted studies seem to prove that thermal imaging may provide a safe and effective method of analyzing wound healing of hard-to-heal wounds being treated with THBOT. This is the first study that tries to show the possibilities of a very new method by evaluating treatment of hard-to-heal wounds using thermal imaging, similar to the hyperbaric oxygen therapy effects evaluated by thermal imaging and described previously. However, the first clinical results showed a decrease in temperature due to the THBOT session and some qualitative similarities in the decrease in temperature differentiation between the studied areas and the temperature effects obtained due to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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14 pages, 22397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Imaging of Exercise-Associated Skin Temperature Changes in Swimmers Subjected to 2-min Intensive Exercise on a VASA Swim Bench Ergometer

by Anna Knyszyńska, Aleksandra Radecka and Anna Lubkowska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6493; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126493 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2308

Abstract

An important element of swimming training is the improvement of muscle strength and the technique of swimming movements on dry land. The heat generated by the muscles involved in the effort contributes to a change in the temperature of the skin surface, which [...] Read more.

An important element of swimming training is the improvement of muscle strength and the technique of swimming movements on dry land. The heat generated by the muscles involved in the effort contributes to a change in the temperature of the skin surface, which can be assessed by the IRT method. The aim of the study was to assess the symmetry and dynamics of changes in surface temperatures of selected areas of the body in swimmers after exercise on a swimming ergometer with the use of IRT. A total of 12 swimmers (aged 19 ± 1.3 years) completed a two-minute stress test (front crawl swimming movements) using a VASA Swim Ergometer, with a load of 5. Using an IRT camera (FLIR E60), postexercise changes in back and upper limbs surface temperature in relation to the resting values were observed. After exercise, the temperature value of all assessed areas decreased, apparently in the area of the back and the back of the arms, returning to the baseline values after 12 min of observation. There was no asymmetry in mean temperature values between the right and left upper limbs. IRT is a noninvasive and sensitive tool for the individual analysis of changes in body surface temperature in swimmers after training on dry land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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19 pages, 6345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Dynamics of Temperature Changes in the Knee Joint Area in Response to Selected Cooling Agents in Thermographic Tests

by Aleksandra Radecka, Waldemar Pluta and Anna Lubkowska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5326; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105326 - 17 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3057

Abstract

Although local cryotherapy (LC) is performed with various cooling agents (C_Ag) such as ice, water, and gasses, in clinical practice, it is mostly performed with cooling gasses. Presently, LC with cooling gasses is very popular but the inference about the thermal [...] Read more.

Although local cryotherapy (LC) is performed with various cooling agents (C_Ag) such as ice, water, and gasses, in clinical practice, it is mostly performed with cooling gasses. Presently, LC with cooling gasses is very popular but the inference about the thermal (stimulus) effect on the tissues is mainly based on research carried out using ice packs. The proposed objective of the study was to evaluate the dynamics of temperature changes in the knee joint area in response to a 3-min exposure to liquid nitrogen vapors (LNVs), cold air (CA) and ice bag (IB). The study group included 23 healthy volunteers with an average age of 26.67 ± 4.56. The exposed (ROI_E) and contralateral (ROI_NE) areas of the knee joint after exposure to C_Ag were observed. Immediately after 3 min of LC, the ROI_E temperature dropped by 10.11 ± 0.91 °C after LNV, 7.59 ± 0.14 °C after IB and 6.76 ± 1.3 °C after CA. Significant tissue cooling was maintained up to 15 min after LNV (p < 0.01), 10 min after IB (p < 0.05) and 5 min after CA (p < 0.05). LC causes significant temperature changes both in ROI_E and ROI_NE. The greatest cooling potential was demonstrated for LNV and the lowest for CA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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10 pages, 16489 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Face Alignment in Thermal Infrared Images Using Cascaded Shape Regression

by Kent Nagumo, Tomohiro Kobayashi, Kosuke Oiwa and Akio Nozawa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1776; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041776 - 12 Feb 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3309

Abstract

The evaluation of physiological and psychological states using thermal infrared images is based on the skin temperature of specific regions of interest, such as the nose, mouth, and cheeks. To extract the skin temperature of the region of interest, face alignment in thermal [...] Read more.

The evaluation of physiological and psychological states using thermal infrared images is based on the skin temperature of specific regions of interest, such as the nose, mouth, and cheeks. To extract the skin temperature of the region of interest, face alignment in thermal infrared images is necessary. To date, the Active Appearance Model (AAM) has been used for face alignment in thermal infrared images. However, computation using this method is costly, and it has a low real-time performance. Conversely, face alignment of visible images using Cascaded Shape Regression (CSR) has been reported to have high real-time performance. However, no studies have been reported on face alignment in thermal infrared images using CSR. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the speed and robustness of face alignment in thermal infrared images using CSR. The results suggest that face alignment using CSR is more robust and computationally faster than AAM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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13 pages, 626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Dry Carbon Dioxide Bathing on Peripheral Blood Circulation Measured by Thermal Imaging among Patients with Risk Factors of PAD

by Hanna Zbroja, Mateusz Kowalski and Anna Lubkowska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1490; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041490 - 4 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2704

Abstract

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is becoming a serious health problem of present times. It appears crucial to explore therapies that might help to restore blood flow or increase tissue oxygenation. The most effective methods of detecting early-stage changes in blood circulation in the [...] Read more.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is becoming a serious health problem of present times. It appears crucial to explore therapies that might help to restore blood flow or increase tissue oxygenation. The most effective methods of detecting early-stage changes in blood circulation in the extremities need to be identified. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of carbon dioxide (CO₂) bathing on peripheral blood circulation measured by thermal imaging among patients with risk factors of PAD and ankle–brachial index (ABI) in the normal range or ABI indicating some or moderate arterial disease (ABI > 0.5). The correlation between surface temperature change and PAD-relevant characteristics was also examined. Forty-six patients who were over 65 years old who had a minimum of two additional PAD risk factors were recruited. A series of ten dry CO₂ baths was performed. Thermal images were taken before and after the intervention. The CO₂ therapy caused a significant change in the body surface temperature of many body areas. Numerous moderate correlations between temperature change and health-related characteristics were identified. Therefore, patients with PAD risk factors could benefit from CO₂ therapy. Improvements in blood flow change the body surface temperature, and these changes could be successfully detected by thermal imaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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11 pages, 6071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Characteristics of Breast Surface Temperature in Healthy Women

by Anna Lubkowska and Monika Chudecka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031097 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3097

Abstract

Thermography is widely used in the medical field, including in the detection of breast disorders. The aim of the research was to characterize the range of breast surface temperature values, taking into account the entire area of the mammary gland and, independently, the [...] Read more.

Thermography is widely used in the medical field, including in the detection of breast disorders. The aim of the research was to characterize the range of breast surface temperature values, taking into account the entire area of the mammary gland and, independently, the nipple, in healthy women. An additional aim was to assess the symmetry of the breast temperature distribution (using an IR camera) and the correlation of temperatures with the content of adipose tissue. Thermograms were made for the right and left breasts, each time delineating the area of the entire breast and a separate area of the nipple, chest, and abdomen. Analyzing the intergroup differences in temperature of selected body areas (T_mean), it was shown that, in all cases, they were significantly higher in younger women. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between breast and nipple temperatures in relation to the body sides. The highest temperatures within the mammary gland were recorded for the nipple area. The use of the high-resolution digital infrared thermal imaging method in early and screening preventive diagnoses of changes in the mammary gland requires individual interpretation of the results, taking into account the assessment of the physiological pattern of temperature distribution in both breasts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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10 pages, 1333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlation between Isotherms and Isodoses in Breast Cancer Radiotherapy—First Study

by Dominika Plaza, Agnieszka Baic, Barbara Lange, Agata Stanek, Krzysztof Ślosarek, Anna Kowalczyk and Armand Cholewka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020619 - 13 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2677

Abstract

The study is focused on correlation of isotherms derived from thermal images with an isodoses describing treatment plan for patients with breast cancer treated by radiotherapy. The irradiated area covered the part of the body after mastectomy. The study included patients diagnosed with [...] Read more.

The study is focused on correlation of isotherms derived from thermal images with an isodoses describing treatment plan for patients with breast cancer treated by radiotherapy. The irradiated area covered the part of the body after mastectomy. The study included patients diagnosed with breast cancer who were qualified for radiotherapy treatment. All patients were monitored during each treatment week during the entire radiotherapy process. The measurements were made under strictly defined conditions. In the treatment planning system (TPS), the specific plan was created for each patient. Spatial dose distribution in the patient’s body was obtained and presented by the isodoses (lines connecting points with the same dose values). The following areas from the treatment planning system were plotted on the thermograms: target (tumor area) and isodose: 45 Gy, 40 Gy, 30 Gy, 20 Gy and 10 Gy. The obtained results indicated a high correlation between magnitude of the dose represented as the isodose and the temperature of the treated skin. Moreover, preliminary analysis showed a repeatable increase of the mean temperature in the irradiated area during the treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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13 pages, 1424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local and Contralateral Effects after the Application of Neuromuscular Electrostimulation in Lower Limbs

by Elisa Benito-Martínez, Diego Senovilla-Herguedas, Julio César de la Torre-Montero, María Jesús Martínez-Beltrán, María Mercedes Reguera-García and Beatriz Alonso-Cortés

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 9028; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17239028 - 3 Dec 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2381

Abstract

Neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) has been used mainly as a method to promote muscle strength, but its effects on improving blood flow are less well known. The aim of this study is to deepen the knowledge about the local and contralateral effects of the [...] Read more.

Neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) has been used mainly as a method to promote muscle strength, but its effects on improving blood flow are less well known. The aim of this study is to deepen the knowledge about the local and contralateral effects of the application of symmetric biphasic square currents on skin temperature (Tsk). An experimental pilot study was developed with a single study group consisting of 45 healthy subjects. Thermographic evaluations were recorded following the application of NMES to the anterior region of the thigh. The results showed an increase in the maximal Tsk of 0.67% in the anterior region of the thigh where the NMES was applied (p < 0.001) and an increase of 0.54% (p < 0.01) due to cross-education effects, which was higher when the NMES was applied on the dominant side (0.79%; p < 0.01). The duration of the effect was 20 min in the dominant leg and 10 min in the nondominant one. The application of a symmetrical biphasic current (8 Hz and 400 μs) creates an increase in the maximal Tsk at the local level. A temperature cross-education effect is produced, which is greater when the NMES is applied on the dominant side. This could be a useful noninvasive measurement tool in NMES treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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14 pages, 1371 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Temperature Distribution of Selected Body Surfaces in Scoliosis Based on Static Infrared Thermography

by Anna Lubkowska and Ewa Gajewska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238913 - 30 Nov 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6072

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to assess the usefulness of thermography as a complementary method in musculoskeletal dysfunction, with particular emphasis on scoliosis. The children, aged 7–16, were classified into one of two groups: the study group—children with scoliosis (n = [...] Read more.

The purpose of the research was to assess the usefulness of thermography as a complementary method in musculoskeletal dysfunction, with particular emphasis on scoliosis. The children, aged 7–16, were classified into one of two groups: the study group—children with scoliosis (n = 20), and the reference group—healthy children (n = 20). All children underwent anthropometric tests, body mass index determination, four pictures each with a FLIR T1030sc HD thermal imaging camera, and measurement of spinal rotation with a scoliometer (Gima, Italy). There is a temperature differential (about 4 °C) within the upper and lower body in children. In healthy children, differences in temperature of contralateral areas of the body do not exceed 0.5 °C. Thermography is a useful and noninvasive method of assessing muscular tension disbalance in the course of scoliosis. In the case of scoliosis, the areas of the body with a significant thermal asymmetry of the surface are the upper back, thighs, and back of the lower legs. Due to the high positive correlation of the spinal rotation angle with the amount of thermal asymmetry, the areas that should be subjected to a detailed thermal assessment in the supplementary diagnosis of scoliosis using thermovision are the upper back, chest, thighs, and back of the lower legs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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23 pages, 11859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inexpensive Home Infrared Living/Environment Sensor with Regional Thermal Information for Infant Physical and Psychological Development

by Genta Karino, Aya Senoo, Tetsuya Kunikata, Yoshimasa Kamei, Hideo Yamanouchi, Shun Nakamura, Masanori Shukuya, Ricki J. Colman and Mamiko Koshiba

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6844; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186844 - 19 Sep 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3270

Abstract

The use of home-based image sensors for biological and environmental monitoring provides novel insight into health and development but it is difficult to evaluate people during their normal activities in their home. Therefore, we developed a low-cost infrared (IR) technology-based motion, location, temperature [...] Read more.

The use of home-based image sensors for biological and environmental monitoring provides novel insight into health and development but it is difficult to evaluate people during their normal activities in their home. Therefore, we developed a low-cost infrared (IR) technology-based motion, location, temperature and thermal environment detection system that can be used non-invasively for long-term studies in the home environment. We tested this technology along with the associated analysis algorithm to visualize the effects of parental care and thermal environment on developmental state change in a non-human primate model, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). To validate this system, we first compared it to a manual analysis technique and we then assessed the development of circadian rhythms in common marmosets from postnatal day 15–45. The semi-automatically tracked biological indices of locomotion velocity (BV) and body surface temperature (BT) and the potential psychological index of place preference toward the door (BD), showed age-dependent shifts in circadian phase patterns. Although environmental variables appeared to affect circadian rhythm development, principal component analysis and signal superimposing imaging methods revealed a novel phasic pattern of BD-BT correlation day/night switching in animals older than postnatal day 38 (approximately equivalent to one year of age in humans). The origin of this switch was related to earlier development of body temperature (BT) rhythms and alteration of psychological behavior rhythms (BD) around earlier feeding times. We propose that this cost-effective, inclusive sensing and analytic technique has value for understanding developmental care conditions for which continual home non-invasive monitoring would be beneficial and further suggest the potential to adapt this technique for use in humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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13 pages, 1687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Skin Temperature, Electrical Manifestations of Muscle Fatigue, and Exercise-Induced Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness for Dynamic Contractions: A Preliminary Study

by Jose I. Priego-Quesada, Carlos De la Fuente, Marcos R. Kunzler, Pedro Perez-Soriano, David Hervás-Marín and Felipe P. Carpes

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6817; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186817 - 18 Sep 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3958

Abstract

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) indicates the presence of muscle damage and impairs force production and control. Monitorization of DOMS is useful to improving recovery intervention plans. The magnitude of DOMS may relate to muscle fatigue, which can be monitored by surface electromyography [...] Read more.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) indicates the presence of muscle damage and impairs force production and control. Monitorization of DOMS is useful to improving recovery intervention plans. The magnitude of DOMS may relate to muscle fatigue, which can be monitored by surface electromyography (EMG). Additionally, growing interest has been expressed in determining whether the skin temperature over a muscle group during exercise to fatigue could be a non-invasive marker for DOMS. Here we determine whether skin temperature and manifestations of muscle fatigue during exercise are correlated and can predict DOMS after concentric–eccentric bicep curl exercises. We tested 10 young adults who performed concentric–eccentric bicep curl exercises to induce muscle damage in the biceps brachialis to investigate the relationship between skin temperature and fatigue during exercise and DOMS after exercise. Muscle activation and skin temperature were recorded during exercise. DOMS was evaluated 24 h after exercise. Data analysis was performed using Bayesian regression models with regularizing priors. We found significant muscle fatigue and an increase in skin temperature during exercise. DOMS was observed 24 h after exercise. The regression models showed no correlation of changes in skin temperature and muscle fatigue during exercise with DOMS 24 h after exercise. In conclusion, our preliminary results do not support a relationship between skin temperature measured during exercise and either muscle fatigue during exercise or the ability to predict DOMS 24 h after exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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13 pages, 3819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Usefulness in Developing an Optimal Training Program and Distinguishing between Performance Levels of the Athlete’s Body by Using of Thermal Imaging

by Teresa Kasprzyk-Kucewicz, Agnieszka Szurko, Agata Stanek, Karolina Sieroń, Tadeusz Morawiec and Armand Cholewka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5698; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165698 - 6 Aug 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3506

Abstract

The goal of the training is to enable the body to perform prolonged physical effort without reducing its effectiveness while maintaining the body’s homeostasis. Homeostasis is the ability of the system to maintain, in dynamic balance, the stability of the internal environment. Equally [...] Read more.

The goal of the training is to enable the body to perform prolonged physical effort without reducing its effectiveness while maintaining the body’s homeostasis. Homeostasis is the ability of the system to maintain, in dynamic balance, the stability of the internal environment. Equally as important as monitoring the body’s thermoregulation phenomena during exercise seems to be the evaluation of these mechanisms after physical effort, when the athlete’s body returns to physiological homeostasis. Restoring homeostasis is an important factor in body regeneration and has a significant impact on preventing overtraining. In this work we present a training protocol using a rowing ergometer, which was planned to be carried out in a short time and which involves working the majority of the athlete’s muscles, allowing a full assessment of the body’s thermal parameters after stopping exercise and during the body’s return to thermal equilibrium and homeostasis. The significant differences between normalized mean body surface temperature obtained for the cyclist before the training period and strength group as well as before and 10 min after training were obtained. Such observation seems to bring indirectly some information about the sportsperson’s efficiency due to differences in body temperature in the first 10 min of training when sweat does not play a main role in surface temperature. Nearly 1 °C drop of mean body temperature has been measured due to the period of training. It is concluded that thermovision not only allows you to monitor changes in body temperature due to sports activity, but also allows you to determine which of the athletes has a high level of body efficiency. The average maximum body temperature of such an athlete is higher (32.5 °C) than that of an athlete who has not trained regularly (30.9 °C) and whose body probably requires further training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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13 pages, 1594 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

The Use of Thermography as an Auxiliary Method for Monitoring Convalescence after Facelift Surgery: A Case Study

by Monika Chudecka, Andrzej Dmytrzak, Katarzyna Leźnicka and Anna Lubkowska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3687; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063687 - 20 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4040

Abstract

Although IR thermography is widely used in medical diagnostics, there are no reports that describe the use of IR thermography in the evaluation of post-plastic-surgery regeneration processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of thermography as a method which, [...] Read more.

Although IR thermography is widely used in medical diagnostics, there are no reports that describe the use of IR thermography in the evaluation of post-plastic-surgery regeneration processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of thermography as a method which, among others, allows us to determine the location and extent of the inflammatory process, supporting the clinical evaluation of the patient’s convalescence after a facelift surgery using the SMAS technique. During the study and in order to monitor the convalescence process, the patient had a series of face thermograms performed before surgery and up to the 6th week after it. The healing process after surgery was multidirectional for the contralateral areas of the face, leading to thermal asymmetry lasting up to the 3rd week of convalescence. The lowest T_mean values for ROIs were recorded in week 3 of the study and then they gradually increased, in week 6 after surgery, to the following values: chin = 33.1 ± 0.72 °C; cheek left = 33.0 ± 0.26 °C; cheek right = 33.2 ± 0.51 °C; ZFL = 33.8 ± 0.45 °C; ZFR = 33.6 ± 0.74 °C; ZLL = 32.6 ±0.55 °C; ZLR = 32.3 ± 0.32 °C. The temperatures of these areas were still lower than the baseline values obtained before surgery by 0.5–1.4 °C. The usefulness of thermography in the evaluation of post-operative convalescence in facial plastic surgery procedures shows potential in the context of diagnostic assessment of the dynamics of changes in the healing process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation)

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Thermal Imaging in Body and Skin Temperature Changes Evaluation

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