Changes in body surface temperature during speed endurance work-out in highly-trained male sprinters

Abstract

The mechanism of thermoregulatory adaptation to exercise cannot yet be fully explained, however, infrared thermography (IRT) seems to have potential for monitoring physiological changes during exercise and training. It is a non-contact and easy to use technology to measure heat radiation from the body surface.The objective of the study was to examine the temperature changes over time on lower limbs in sprinters during speed endurance training session.Eight sprinters, specialized in distances 100m and 200m, aged 21–29years, members of the Polish national team, were evaluated during an outdoor speed endurance work-out. Their track session comprised of warm-up, specific drills for sprinting technique, and speed endurance exercise. The surface temperature of lower limbs was measured and thermal images were taken using infrared camera after each part of the session.The speed endurance training session brought about specific time course of body surface (legs) temperature. The warm-up induced a significant decline in surface temperature by ∼2.5°C, measured both on the front and back of lower limbs (p<0.001), followed by a temperature stabilization until the end of the session. No significant asymmetry between the front and back sides of legs was observed.Body surface temperature may help identify an individual optimal time to terminate warm up and start the main part of the training session. It may also be useful for the assessment of muscle activity symmetry in cyclical activities, such as sprint running. This is of particular relevance when a training session is performed outdoors in changeable weather conditions.