Thermographic imaging in sports and exercise medicine: A Delphi study and consensus statement on the measurement of human skin temperature

Abstract

The importance of using infrared thermography (IRT) to assess skin temperature (t) is increasing in clinical settings. Recently, its use has been increasing in sports and exercise medicine; however, no consensus guideline exists to address the methods for collecting data in such situations. The aim of this study was to develop a checklist for the collection of t using IRT in sports and exercise medicine. We carried out a Delphi study to set a checklist based on consensus agreement from leading experts in the field. Panelists (n = 24) representing the areas of sport science (n = 8; 33%), physiology (n = 7; 29%), physiotherapy (n = 3; 13%) and medicine (n = 6; 25%), from 13 different countries completed the Delphi process. An initial list of 16 points was proposed which was rated and commented on by panelists in three rounds of anonymous surveys following a standard Delphi procedure. The panel reached consensus on 15 items which encompassed the participants' demographic information, camera/room or environment setup and recording/analysis of t using IRT. The results of the Delphi produced the checklist entitled "Thermographic Imaging in Sports and Exercise Medicine (TISEM)" which is a proposal to standardize the collection and analysis of t data using IRT. It is intended that the TISEM can also be applied to evaluate bias in thermographic studies and to guide practitioners in the use of this technique.

Variability in peripheral rewarming after cold stress among 255 healthy Norwegian army conscripts assessed by dynamic infrared thermography

“…We prepared the research venue carefully to maintain the ambient and experimental conditions as stable as possible. Our research seems to be in accordance with a Delphi-processed checklist among leading experts in thermography [23]. …”

Field and laboratory methods for quantifying brown adipose tissue thermogenesis

“…Given that changes in BAT thermogenesis might result in subtle shifts in SCV skin temperature, a high degree of thermal sensitivity is advantageous in this context. Manufacturers such as FLIR advertise that many of their infrared cameras, such as the E60bx, have an absolute accuracy of 2% or ± 2.0°C; however, the accuracy can be improved by capturing an image under standardized conditions (Moreira et al, ). With proper calibration and attention to measurement parameters, the possible margin of error can be less than 1°C (see Table ) (Fernández‐Cuevas et al, ).…”

Thermal response of hands to computer work: comparison of three assessment procedures

“…The Thermographic Imaging in Sports and Exercise Medicine checklist (TISEM) (Moreira et al, 2017) recommendations were followed during data collection, data analysis and data reporting. Before taking thermograms, all participants signed written informed consent after explained the goals and procedures of the study.…”

“…Standard conditions for thermal imaging have been defined earlier (E. F. Ring, 1990;Ammer, 2008;Ammer & Ring, 2013;Moreira et al, 2017). Except for the conditions which could, or even had to be adhered to, such as the perpendicular and consistent distance of the imaging device and the measured subject, some conditions could not be adhered to because of logical reasons in this field measuring.…”