Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
The Use of Thermal Infra-Red Imaging to Detect Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Published on: January 22, 2012
Are the infrared thermography findings skin temperature-dependent? a study on neck pain patients
Nina Zaproudina1, Olavi Airaksinen, Matti Närhi
1Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland. nina.zaproudina@uef.fi
Background:
Skin temperature (Tsk) disorders have been proposed as sign of impaired innervation in several conditions, but the influence of different factors on the infrared thermography (IRT) findings remains unclear.
Methods:
The relations between the Tsk and δT (side-to-side temperature difference) values, and influence of age, gender, anthropometric characteristics and pain intensity on those values were analysed in non-specific neck pain (NP) patients (n = 91) using mixed model analysis. IRT findings were also compared in subgroups of NP patients: with cold (CHNPP, n = 21) or warm hands (WHNPP, n = 56) and healthy controls, with cold (CHC, n = 11) or warm hands (WHC, n = 19). Also, the stability of δT values in CHNPP was examined.
Results:
Only the area of measurement and the actual Tsk influenced the δT values. CHNPP demonstrated higher δT values in distal parts, compared with WHNPP and controls, but those values vanished when their hands turned warm. δT values in CHNPP were related to the pain intensity. The findings of WHNPP and WHC did not differ.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that the δT values as signs of impaired Tsk regulation are dynamic and better detectable in cold skin. The results underline the need of caution in interpretation of IRT findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:43Thermosensation
01:19Assessing 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...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
01:13Equipments 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,...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...