Evaluation of the temperature of posterior lower limbs skin during the whole body vibration measured by infrared thermography: Cross-sectional study analysis using linear mixed effect model

Abstract

BackgroundWhole body vibration exercise (WBVE) has been shown to improve muscular strength and power, and increase peripheral blood flow. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of the skin temperature (Tsk) on regions of the lower limbs from an acute bout of WBVE.Methods and findingsCross-sectional study approved by local ethics committee (Certificado de Apresentação para Apreciação Ética—CAAE—19826413.8.0000.5259) and Trial registration (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos—REBEC—RBR-738wng). Using Infrared thermography (IRT), Tsk and thermal symmetry of the posterior lower extremities (thigh, knee, calf and heel) were examined in 19 healthy participants. IRT was assessed during 60-second WBVE exposures of 0, 30 and 50 Hz. From the adjusted linear mixed effects model, vibration frequency, time and regions of the lower extremity were significant (p<0.001). However, the variable laterality was not significant (p = 0.067) and was excluded from the adjusted statistical model. The adjusted model was significant (p<0.00001) and all variables in the model were significant (p<0.01) indicating that Tsk decreases with time, independently of the vibration frequency. The value of the Pseudo-R-Squared for the model was 0.8376. The presented mathematical model of the current study may be useful to justify the patterns observed for all vibration frequencies between and 0 and 50 Hz. The main limitations of the study were the reduced time of the intervention and not having evaluated other regions of the body.ConclusionsThe acute exposure of 60-second mechanical vibration has effect on the behavior of Tsk of the posterior region of the lower limbs, which is likely to be associated with a decrease on the blood flow due to WBVE. It is speculated that during WBVE a greater supply of blood is required where the body responds by shunting blood flow from the skin to working muscle in the first seconds of exercise. Further investigative work is required to verify this hypothesis.

Immediate Effect of Whole-Body Vibration on Skin Temperature and Lower-Limb Blood Flow in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Pilot Study

“…This change leads to redirection of blood flow from inactive to active areas. Then, during vibration, blood flow redistributes to the periphery, allowing heat exchange with the external environment, cooling the skin, and causing blood to flow to the lower-temperature muscle regions, thus preventing hyperthermia and maintaining homeostasis [27].…”

Whole-Body Vibration Exercise as an Intervention to Improve Musculoskeletal Performance

“…Moreira-Marconi et al [23] evaluated the behavior of the skin temperature (Tsk) on regions of the lower limbs from an acute bout of WBV exercise. Using IRT, Tsk and thermal symmetry of the posterior lower extremities (thigh, knee, calf and heel) were examined in healthy participants.…”

The Effect of Dry Carbon Dioxide Bathing on Peripheral Blood Circulation Measured by Thermal Imaging among Patients with Risk Factors of PAD

“…Specialized software generating a thermal image allows assessment of the surface temperature of both the entire body and region of interest (ROI) [11]. Thermal imaging methods of skin temperature assessment in real time are characterized by measurement accuracy (up to 1%), non-invasiveness, high sensitivity (up to 0.025 • C) and do not require direct physical contact with the patient [12].…”

“…The wide application of thermal imaging in the diagnosis of disorders based on the analysis of the surface temperature of the skin (T SK ) results from factors influencing its regulation. According to scientific reports, the regulation of skin temperature depends on blood pressure, the amount of subcutaneous tissue, the activity of the autonomic nervous system, and metabolism [12,14]. According to the studies by Lahiri [15] and Ring and Ammer [16], the clinical abnormality and the occurrence of disorders are reflected in an increased or decreased blood flow, which will directly increase or decrease the surface temperature of the skin.…”