Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
08:51
The Use of Thermal Infra-Red Imaging to Detect Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Published on: January 22, 2012
Agreement between rectal and tympanic membrane temperatures in marathon runners
R N Roth1, V P Verdile, L J Grollman
1Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, USA.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Infrared tympanic thermometers show moderate agreement with rectal temperatures in marathon runners. Their wide temperature spread limits clinical usefulness in race settings.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Clinical Thermometry
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Accurate temperature monitoring is crucial for marathon runners experiencing thermal stress.
- Rectal thermometry is a standard, but invasive, method for core body temperature assessment.
- Infrared tympanic membrane thermometers offer a non-invasive alternative, but their accuracy in this population is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the agreement between rectal and infrared tympanic membrane temperatures in marathon runners.
- To determine the clinical utility of tympanic thermometers in a field hospital setting at a marathon finish line.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, blinded, controlled study enrolled marathon runners aged 18+ presenting with suspected thermal issues.
- Simultaneous rectal and tympanic membrane temperatures were measured in 37 participants requiring rectal thermometry.
- Data analysis included Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman analysis for agreement.
Main Results:
- A moderate correlation (r = .6902) was found between rectal and tympanic temperatures.
- The mean difference was 0.64°C, with a wide 95% confidence interval.
- Only 62% of tympanic readings were within 1°C of rectal measurements, indicating significant variability.
Conclusions:
- Infrared tympanic thermometers demonstrate only moderate agreement with rectal temperatures in marathon runners.
- The wide limits of agreement suggest potential clinical significance, limiting tympanic thermometer reliability.
- The use of tympanic thermometers is not recommended for temperature assessment in marathon events due to accuracy concerns.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Body Temperature
The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Body temperature can be assessed using various devices and measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
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,...
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,...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
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...
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...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
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...
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...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
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...
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...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
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...
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...