Skin temperature response to unilateral training measured with infrared thermography

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the skin temperature (Tsk) behavior to understand the acute cross-effect after unilateral training of lower-limbs. Seventeen healthy young men (weight, 75.2±5.5 kg; height, 1.8±0.1 m; age, 22.5±1.6 years) were divided into two groups: high-trained (n=8) and low-trained (n=9). All participants performed: (a) one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing protocol on the leg press, (b) a unilateral training protocol (4×10 repetitions at 70% of 1RM for leg press and 4×10 repetitions at 50% of 1RM for knee extension). Pre- and posttraining thermal images were recorded. The main results showed that independent of the limb (exercised vs. nonexercised), differences between low- and high-trained were observed for all regions of interest (ROI) except for the anterior knee: posttraining, 30-min and 60-min posttraining in nonexercised limb. The increase of contralateral Tsk was more than 50% on the ROIs corresponding to the exercises muscles 30-min post-training in low-trained but was not so high in high-trained (P<0.05). Low-trained subjects incremented more the Tsk than high-trained in both legs after exercise. In conclusion, we observed an acute contralateral Tsk effect to unilateral training on the Tsk of the nonexercised limb, reliant on the training level of the subject.

Local and Contralateral Effects after the Application of Neuromuscular Electrostimulation in Lower Limbs

“…Some authors have even found an absence of significant cross-education results when strength training was performed on the nondominant side [12], results that are in line with ours regarding nonsignificant temperature increases when the NMES was applied on the nondominant side.…”

“…Blickenstorfer et al [34], using functional magnetic resonance, demonstrated an activation of the contralateral primary motor cortex, premotor cortex, and cerebellum.Although most studies have investigated the phenomenon of cross-education in the area of strength, our research shows a cross-education effect on Tsk. Escamilla-Galindo et al [12] and Manca et al [35] state that the causes of the increase in temperature in the leg that is not exercised are not clear, since other parameters such as phospho-creatinekinase levels or electromyography (EMG), were not measured in their study in parallel with temperature.…”

“…In addition, although the majority of studies carried out in the field of rehabilitation have focused on analyzing the effects of different procedures at the local level, contralateral changes have also been noticed after applying acupuncture [9], external pneumatic compression [10], percutaneous electrolysis [11], or procedures to increase strength and coordination [12,13]. At the sensory threshold, they have also been recorded through the application of vibrotherapy [14].…”

Superficial thermal response to CrossFit® workout

“…So, this combination of exercises seems to have been responsible for the increase in temperature found in the aforementioned ROI. Our data is aligned with that in previous studies [37][38][39][40] , however, it is in disagreement with others 41,42 .…”

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“…The research conducted by Escamilla-Galindo et al 32 sought to analyze the behavior of skin temperature to understand the acute cross-effect after unilateral lower limb training in two different groups, one with young people with high RT experience and one with low experience. The main results showed that, regardless of the limb (exercised versus not exercised), differences were observed in the skin temperature of the regions of interest after the training session.…”