Thermography measurements of temperature response to different physical activities

Aim. The paper aims to identify changes in body temperature by an infrared thermography method at different exercise intensities. Materials and methods. A series of studies involved 4 healthy subjects aged from 21 to 26 years. Two subjects performed incremental exercise on a cycle ergometer (PWC170 test), one subject performed a 10-minute treadmill run, and one subject performed three sets of 40 push-ups with a 1-minute rest. Body temperature was measured before and right after physical exercise by using the infrared camera (Baltech). The images obtained were processed with the corresponding Baltech Expert software. Results. Temperature response to submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer was accompanied by a decrease in the mean temperature of the neck area and an increase in facial temperature. After a 10-minute treadmill run, there was a decrease in temperature of the lower extremities similar to that of the neck area. An important aspect of temperature control during running performance is the possibility to identify temperature asymmetry between the right and left legs, which is indirectly associated with biomechanics. As a result of a series of strength exercises, a significant decrease in mean facial and neck temperatures was recorded (mean by 3.5°C, min by 7.2°C), which demonstrates a higher involvement of temperature control with the balance shifted towards increased heat loss. Conclusion. Temperature control during different exercise intensities allows to make a conclusion about the prospects of temperature measurements for obtaining health information. Continuous temperature control through an integrated thermal camera will allow recording critical changes, identifying intensity zones, measuring load symmetry, and, thus, enhancing training efficiency, while reducing the risk of injuries.