Relationship between body composition indices and changes in body temperature due to hot pack use
Kazuyuki Kominami1,2, Kazunari Sato3, Naoaki Takahashi4
1Department of Rehabilitation, Sanseikai Kitano Hospital, 6-30, 1-Chome, Kiyota1-Jyo, Kiyota-Ku, Sapporo, 004-0861, Japan. qqae3s4u9@gmail.com.
Background:
Hot pack application is used to reduce pain and muscle stiffness at the treated site. However, the effects of hot pack application on the whole body have not been clarified. We investigated the relationship between body composition indices and the hot pack-induced increase in body temperature.
Methods:
We recruited 17 healthy men (age, 22.0 ± 3.3 years) who participated in the study on five different days and applied "dry" hot packs at four different sites (the most frequently used sites): right shoulder, lower back, both popliteal areas, and lower back plus popliteal areas. The study protocol involved the measurement of body composition followed by 10 min of bed rest, 15 min of warming with a hot pack, and 20 min of subsequent rest. Heart rate and body temperature were measured continuously, and blood pressure was recorded at 5-min intervals. Body temperature was measured at the right upper arm, precordium, abdomen, lumbus, right hallux, right femur, and right auditory canal.
Results:
Skin temperature increased significantly at and near the hot pack application site, but this finding showed no relationship with body composition indices. The warmability distal to the application site was negatively correlated with the body water content index. The auditory canal temperature did not change in any of the sessions.
Conclusions:
Hot pack usage alone did not increase the deep-body temperature and only increased the temperature around the application area. Moreover, higher body water content may allow for easier dissipation of heat from the peripheral extremities.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Body Temperature
Factors may include:
Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
Body Temperature
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C...
Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Decreased Body Temperature
Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...


