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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

The Use of Thermal Infra-Red Imaging to Detect Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Published on: January 22, 2012
Comparison of infrared versus contact thermometry for measuring skin temperature during exercise in the heat
Michael J Buono1, Amy Jechort, Raquel Marques
1San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA. mbuono@mail.sdsu.edu
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of non-contact infrared thermometry to measure mean skin temperature in resting and exercising subjects in cold, thermo-neutral and hot environments. The subjects for the study were six healthy volunteers. Skin temperature was measured at three sites: the forearm, chest and calf on each subject using both contact thermistors and a non-contact infrared thermometer. Data were collected at rest and during exercise in three different air temperatures (15, 25 and 35 degrees C). The correlation of resting mean skin temperature using infrared thermometry and contact thermistors was r = 0.95, while the correlation obtained during exercise was r = 0.98. The results of the current study strongly suggest that infrared thermometry is a valid measure of skin temperature during rest and exercise in both hot and cold environments. It is hoped that the results of this study will encourage the use of non-contact infrared thermometry by both clinicians and exercise, environmental, and sleep researchers in the future.
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Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
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Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
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Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
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Body Temperature
