Application of thermal imaging to assess the superficial skin temperature distribution after local cryotherapy and ultrasound

Abstract

Thermal imaging is a safe, noninvasive, and quite low-cost technique that allows for the rapid and noninvasive recording of thermal radiation emitted by the human body. In recent years, it is increasingly used for physiotherapy monitoring. The main goal of the study was to compare the influence of two various treatments applied in two various orders, namely local cryotherapy (CRYO) and ultrasound therapy (US). The impact of combined therapies, applied in two various orders, was studied in terms of changes of the superficial temperature distribution on the front right thigh surface. The response to the therapy depending the treated persons’ gender, along with a consensual reaction, was examined. The research material consisted of 30 healthy volunteers, 19–23-year old students, aged 19.93 (± 1.42). All treatments were performed at weekly intervals in the following order: in the first week, CRYO immediately followed by US, and in the second week, ultrasound immediately followed by local cryotherapy. All treatments were performed on the right quadriceps. The combined sequence of local cryotherapy and ultrasound therapy caused temperature decrease in the treated area regardless of their performance order. The temperature decrease considerably depends on the sequence of the applied treatments, and it was more significant after the ultrasound–cryotherapy sequence. Moreover, these changes also lasted longer. Statistically significant influence of the subjects’ gender was observed in case of consensual reaction.