Thermovision analysis of surface body temperature changes after thermal stimulation treatments in healthy men

Among thermal stimulation treatments that have a beneficial effect on the human body general application of cold and various forms of massage are mentioned which can be assessed by means of thermovision analysis. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the distribution of surface body temperature under the influence of whole-body cryostimulation, classical massage and hot stone massage.

The study was conducted on a group of 40 men aged 20-24 years. They were subjected to a cryostimulation treatment at -120 °C and -140 °C, and to heat-stimulating treatments in the form of massages. Before the treatment, blood pressure and heart rate were measured. Temperature distribution in the 12 areas of the body surface was recorded using a Thermo Vision A20M Thermo Vision Camera with Therma CAM Researcher 2.8 software.

Statistically significant differences between cryostimulation treatments in the left upper limb and the back of the trunk were found. After heat-stimulating treatments, a statistically significant increase in temperature after classic massage was observed in the lower limbs, and a similar increase in temperature was noted in the rear of the pectoral girdle and of the trunk after hot stone massage.

The thermovision analysis showed a great variation of body surface temperature depending on the body area. The higher changes in temperature, of up to 20%, were found within the upper and lower extremities in the group treated with cryostimulation. After heat-stimulating treatments, lower temperature differences, of 2-6%, were observed, the largest within the trunk and the lower limbs.