Skin Temperature Of Lower Limbs Research Articles

Lumbar Sympathetic Trunk Injury: An Underestimated Complication of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion.

Lumbar sympathetic trunk (LST) injury is one of the major complications after oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF). LST injury often manifests as unequal skin temperature in lower limbs after operation, and there may be a large number of missed diagnoses due to the lack of attention and different diagnostic methods. The study aimed to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of LST injury after OLIF. The data of patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent OLIF in our hospital from April 2016 to October 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Finally, a total of 54 patients were included. There were 10 males and 44 females, aged 58.4 ± 10.9 years. The skin temperature of lower limbs was measured before and a day after surgery. The patients were followed up at 1 week, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 2 years after the surgery. Likert five-point scale was used to evaluate the discomfort caused by LST injury. Injury severity score was introduced to grade injury degree according to the recovery time of postoperative symptoms. The chi-square test was used to analyze the association of incidence of lumbar sympathetic trunk (LST) injury with contributing factors, such as gender and number of surgical segments. The unequal temperature was not found before surgery in all the patients. Postoperatively, 16 cases (29.6%) had difference of skin temperature more than 0.5°C and were diagnosed with LST injury. Eight patients (14.8%) had self-perception of skin temperature differences, and 12 patients (22.2%) had other symptoms, such as muscle pain, numbness, and weakness, which were not statistically different between patients with and without lumbar sympathetic trunk injury (p > 0.05). In the 16 patients with LST injury, the difference of skin temperature between the two legs was 0.6 ± 0.1 °C on the first day, and the temperature difference lasted for 1.5-~12months. According to Likert five-point scale, two cases (12.5%) were poor, and 14 cases (87.5%) were moderate immediately after surgery. Fifteen cases improved to some extent 6 weeks to 12months after surgery. Postoperative LST injury is mainly manifested by different temperature of lower limbs. The incidence was higher in patients with multi-segment OLIF than in those with single-segment OLIF, and the subjective experience of most patients with LST injury was moderate discomfort.

Relationship between aerobic fitness and lower limb skin temperature during cycling exercise testing among well-trained athletes and nonathletes: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDuring prolonged physical exercise, the skin plays an important role in thermoregulation by dissipating heat to maintain core temperature. Moreover, thermal variation may be influenced by the physical fitness level of an individual. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between aerobic fitness and lower limb skin temperature during graded cycling exercise testing in well-trained athletes and nonathletes. MethodsTwelve trained athletes (mean ± SD maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max], 52.44 ± 4.5 ml/kg/min) and 12 nonathletes (VO2max, 36.95 ± 4.9 ml/kg/min) participated in this study. The regional skin temperature over the lower limbs was monitored continuously during incremental exercise testing using a thermal camera, and cardio-respiratory parameters were assessed and recorded using a metabolic analyzer (K5, COSMED, Rome, Italy). ResultsThe mean skin temperature of athletes at a high intensity of exercise was 27.23 ± 0.3 °C while that of nonathletes was 29.03 ± 0.44 °C, a difference that was statistically significant (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between skin temperature and cardiovascular parameters (VO2max and heart rate) in athletes, while no such correlation was found among nonathletes. ConclusionThe present study demonstrated a negative correlation between oxygen consumption and lower limb skin temperature in athletes, while the correlation was poor in nonathletes. This suggests that physical fitness level may influence the pattern of alterations in lower limb skin temperature, which supports the hypothesis that athletes exhibit better heat dissipation mechanisms than nonathletes.

Effect of enriched oxygen inhalation on lower limb skin temperatures in diabetic and healthy humans: a pilot study.

Measurement of skin temperature with infrared thermometry has been utilised for assessing metabolic activity and may be useful in identifying patients with ulcers suitable for hyperbaric oxygen treatment and monitoring their treatment progress. Since oxygen promotes vasoconstriction in the peripheral circulation, we hypothesised that oxygen administration may lower skin temperature and complicate the interpretation of temperatures obtained. This pilot study investigated the effect of oxygen administration on lower limb skin temperature in healthy subjects and diabetic patients. Volunteers were recruited from healthy staff members (n = 10) and from patients with diabetic foot ulcers (n = 10) at our facility. Foot skin surface temperatures were measured by infra-red thermometry while breathing three different concentrations of oxygen (21%, 50% and 100%). Skin temperature changes were observed with increasing partial pressure of oxygen in both groups. The mean (SD) foot temperatures of diabetic patients and healthy controls at air-breathing baseline were 30.1°C (3.6) versus 29.0°C (3.7) respectively, at FiO₂ 0.5 were 30.1°C (3.6) versus 28.5°C (4.1) and at FiO₂ 1.0 were 28.3°C (3.2) versus 29.2°C (4.3). None of these differences between groups were statistically significant. Data from this small study may indicate a difference in thermal responses between healthy subjects and diabetic patients when inhaling oxygen; however, none of the results were statistically significant. Further investigations on a larger scale are warranted in order to draw firm conclusions.

Effect of 10 km run on lower limb skin temperature and thermal response after a cold-stress test over the following 24 h

Skin temperature assessment has received much attention as a possible measurement of physiological response against stress produced by exercise and research studies usually measure skin temperature 24 or 48 h after exercise. Scientific evidence about skin temperature evolution during the 24-h period immediately after exercising is, however, scarce. The aim was to assess the effect of a 10 km run at moderate intensity on baseline skin temperature and thermal response after a cold stress test during that 24 h period. Fourteen participants were measured before, immediately after, and at 2, 5, 9 and 24 h after a 10 km run at a perceived exertion rate of 11 points (max 20 points). Fourteen control participants who undertook no exercise were also measured during that day. The measurements included muscle pain and fatigue perception, reactive oxygen species, heart rate variability, skin temperature of the lower limbs, and skin temperature after cold stress test. Exercise resulted in a skin temperature increase (e.g., 0.5–1.3 °C of posterior leg 9 h after exercise) and this effect continued in some regions (0.4–0.9 °C of posterior leg) over that 24 h period. However, the thermal response to the cold stress test remained the same (p > 0.05). In conclusion, 10 km aerobic running exercise results in a skin temperature increase, peaking at between 5 and 9 h after exercise, but does not alter the thermal response to a cold stress test. This study provides a sound basis for post-exercise skin temperature response that can be used as a setting-off point for comparisons with future studies that analyze greater muscle damage.

Temperature and creatine kinase changes during a 10d taper period in sprinters

Objective. The aim of this prospective cohort study, performed during a 10 d training camp, was to analyze the effect of a series of successive speed-power training sessions on the concurrent circadian changes in resting leg skin temperature and blood creatine kinase (CK) levels and to determine the correlation between them. Approach. Seventeen elite sprinters, aged 22–31 years, were examined. Every morning and evening, capillary blood samples were drawn to assay CK levels. Lower limb skin temperature was measured simultaneously, and thermal images were taken using an infrared camera. Main results. From the first day of the training camp, the base temperature levels began to drop to obtain a significant reduction from the 6th day (male) and from the 8th day (female) to the end of the camp. Simultaneously, CK levels increased in the male group from 8th to the end of the camp, but it did not change significantly in females. Regarding the circadian rhythm, the CK levels always rose during the day and declined during the night. The temperature decreased during the day and increased during the night until the 6th day. After that, the temperature changed oppositely till the end of camp, i.e. it increased during the day and decreased during the night. This could suggest that the training microcycle should last about a week because after this time there may be a disturbance in the temperature circadian rhythm and a significant CK accumulation Significance. Multi-day speed-power training induced a progressive reduction in resting skin temperature and an elevation in CK levels. It also altered the circadian rhythm of the body skin temperature, which may indicate that after about 6 d of regular exercise, physiological deregulation may occur.

Clinical efficacy of spinal cord stimulation for the patients with diabetic foot

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the treatment of diabetic foot (DF). Methods: Sixteen patients who were diagnosed with DF and treated with SCS from the Department of Pain Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University from October 2015 to October 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Visual analogue scale (VAS), 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure (TcPO2) and skin temperature of lower limbs were compared before and after treatment, and the complications were recorded. Results: Among the 16 patients, 14 were equipped with implantable pulse generator (IPG). The VAS scores decreased significantly from 7.5±1.2 before treatment to 2.6±0.8, 2.0±0.7, 1.6±0.6, 1.0±0.9, 0.9±0.9 at 1 day, 1 week, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after electrode implantation respectively (all P<0.05). At 12 months after treatment, the parameters of SF-36 were significantly different from those before treatment (all P<0.05). The TcPO2 was (23±5) mmHg before treatment and (38±6) mmHg at 1 week after treatment, with a statistical difference (P<0.05), and the temperature of lower limbs increased significantly (P<0.05). No serious complications were observed in all patients. Conclusion: SCS can relieve the pain of patients with DF, improve the microcirculation and blood supply of lower limbs, and thus promote the quality of life, with rare serious complications.

Do exist gender differences in skin temperature of lower limbs following exercise test in male and female cross-country skiers?

The aim of study was to assess the skin temperature changes over selected muscles zones of the lower limbs following an exercise performed at similar relative external workload in 10 male and 6 female high-trained cross-country skiers. The first stage of experiment involved preliminary exercise to determine individual oxygen uptake VO2max and anaerobic threshold. The second stage experimental exercise consisted of 60 min running on treadmill with 80% of determined VO2max Thermographic imaging of lower limbs was performed, before, immediately after exercise and during recovery. Physiological parameters: VO2, MET—metabolic energy equivalent, heart rate and internal temperature were assessed at rest and at the end of exercise, respectively. Infrared thermography showed that at rest the skin temperature over lower limb muscles was significantly higher in men than in women. In response to exercise an increase in skin temperature over the studied muscles was significantly higher in women than men. Since was no significant difference in skin temperature in men and women after exercise. Before the test, no physiological parameter was significantly different in women and men. Exercise test reveled significant differences between men and women in some physiological parameters such as VO2 and MET. Our study showed that there are significant differences in lower limbs skin temperature between male and female at rest but not at the end of exercise test. Women in comparison with men had a greater increase in skin temperature in response to exercise and a persistence of elevated temperature over muscles of lower limbs after exercise.

Effects of simulated prolonged restrained sitting on physical and physiological states

Introduction: Advancement in aerospace technology, and resultant change in operational capabilities has posed unique challenges on the aircrew, who is required to operate for prolonged periods seated and restrained. Examination of the effects of prolonged restrained sitting on physical and physiological states was the desired objective of the study. Material and Methods: Longitudinal evaluation of subjective appreciation of physical discomfort and pain, and physiological parameters, namely, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), skin temperature, and calf girth changes across 6-h of simulated prolonged restrained sitting was undertaken among 15 healthy male non aircrew volunteers with mean age of 31.2 ± 3.63 years. Subjective discomfort was assessed by Category Partitioning Scale (CPS) and pain by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Results: Prolonged restraint sitting of 6-h resulted in a significant increase in calf girth. Significant changes were also observed in CPS and SF-MPQ scores indicating an increase perception of discomfort and pain. Changes in HR, MAP, SpO2, and lower limb skin temperature were also observed even though these changes were lower in magnitude. Conclusion: The pain and discomfort following 6-h of prolonged restraint sitting were found to be appreciable by the subjects. This, along with a significant change in the calf circumference and other physiological parameters were possibly due to effects of venous pooling as a result of sitting for prolonged periods. The effects so observed could have potential flight safety implications and affect mission effectiveness. However, these findings need to be examined in actual cockpit conditions where the seat is more ergonomically designed; yet the aircrew is subjected to a wide spectrum of additional aeromedical stressors.

Effects of intermittent negative pressure and active recovery therapies in the post-match period in elite soccer players: A randomized, parallel arm, comparative study

Summary Study aim: This study compared the effects of intermittent negative pressure therapy (INPT) vs. active recovery therapy (ART) on post-match physiological parameters such as serum CK level and skin temperature of the lower limbs in elite soccer players. Material and methods: Twenty healthy male professional soccer players from a Brazilian first division soccer club were enrolled in this randomized, parallel arm, open label, comparative study. After participating in 2 soccer matches, they were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 10) to receive a 30-min session of INPT (intermittent exchange of hypobaric pressure range 33 to 51 mmHg) or ART (self-myofascial release, mobility and stability exercises, and cycle ergometer exercise). The intervention was conducted after a match with assessments immediately before and after the intervention and again 24 h after the intervention. Results: A significant interaction effect (F2,36 = 4.503, p = 0.018, η2 = 0.130) was observed, indicating that the decrease of CK from pre-intervention to 24 h post-intervention was greater in the INPT than in the ART group. Lower limb skin temperature was significantly lower after INPT than after ART (p &lt; 0.003). Conclusions: Serum CK level and skin temperature of lower limbs showed better recovery up to 24 h after the intervention with INPT in elite soccer players.

Effect of Different Dosages of ST36 Indirect Moxibustion on the Skin Temperature of the Lower Legs and Feet.

Background: Indirect moxibustion (IM) has been previously performed between the spinous process while recording skin temperature of the trunk. However, moxibustion is often applied not only to acupuncture points on the back, but also to points located on the limbs. Thus, there is a need to investigate skin temperature (ST) responses following IM applied to the limbs. Methods: In Experiment 1 (Exp 1), subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: the left IM stimulation, right IM stimulation and control groups. In Experiment 2 (Exp 2), the subjects underwent two experimental sessions consisting of a single stimulation of IM or triple stimulations of IM. The IM stimulation was administered to the ST36 acupuncture point. A thermograph was used to obtain the ST on the lower limbs. Results: In Exp 1, the ST of the lower limbs increased in the stimulation groups whereas there was no increase in the non-stimulation group. In Exp 2, no significant response occurred between the single and triple stimulation of IM groups for all observed sites except for the left ankle ST. Conclusions: Lower limb ST increased following IM application to the ST36 point. No difference was observed between the dosage of the stimulation and ST responses.

Electrical stimulation of acupoint combinations against deep venous thrombosis in elderly bedridden patients after major surgery

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of electrical stimulation of different acupoint combinations among postoperative bedridden elderly patients on hemorheology and deep venous blood flow velocity and investigate the role of electrical stimulation against deep vein thrombosis (DVT). MethodsFrom November 2010 to October 2011, a total of 160 elderly bedridden patients after major surgery were divided into the conventional care group, invigorating and promoting Qi group, blood-activating and damp-eliminating group, and acupoint-combination stimulation group. Whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, D-dimer levels, lower limb skin temperature, lower limb circumference, and flow velocities of the external iliac vein, femoral vein, popliteal vein, and deep calf veins in all patients were documented and compared among the four groups. ResultsWhole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, D-dimer levels, and lower limb circumference were significantly reduced in the blood-activating and damp-eliminating group compared with the conventional care group (P<0.05) and were almost equal to those in the acupoint-combination stimulation group (P>0.05). Lower limb venous flow velocities were accelerated in the invigorating and promoting Qi group compared with the other groups, excluding the acupoint-combination stimulation group (P<0.05). ConclusionHemorheological indices in postoperative bedridden elderly patients were improved after combined electrical stimulation at Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). Combined electrical stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3), on the other hand, accelerated lower limb venous flow.

Effect of lower body compression garments on submaximal and maximal running performance in cold (10°C) and hot (32°C) environments

No previous studies have investigated the effect of lower body compression garments (CG) on running performance in the heat. This study tested the hypothesis that CG would negatively affect running performance in the heat by comparing CG and non-CG conditions for running performance and physiological responses in hot and cold conditions. Ten male recreational runners (29.0±10.0 years, [Formula: see text]max: 58.7±2.7mlkg(-1)min(-1)) performed four treadmill tests consisting of 20-min running at first ventilatory threshold followed by a run to exhaustion at [Formula: see text]max velocity in four conditions: 10°C with CG, 10°C without CG, 32°C with CG, and 32°C without CG (randomised, counterbalanced order). Time to exhaustion (TTE), skin and rectal temperature, [Formula: see text], heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were compared between CG and non-CG conditions at each environmental temperature. TTE was not significantly different between the CG and non-CG conditions at 10°C (158±74 vs. 148±73 s) and 32°C (115±40 vs. 97±33 s); however, there was a small (0.15) and moderate effect size (0.48), respectively, suggestive of an improvement in TTE with CG. Lower limb skin temperature was 1.5°C higher at 10°C with CG (P<0.05), but no significant differences in other physiological variables, including rectal temperature, were observed between garment conditions. Interestingly, RPE was lower (P<0.05) during submaximal running at 32°C with CG (13.8±2.0) compared with non-CG (14.5±2.7). It was concluded that CG had no adverse effects on running performance in hot conditions.

Cutaneous Vascular Responses and Thermoregulation in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Following Acute Body-Weight Supported Treadmill Training

Muscular paralysis secondary to spinal cord injury (SCI) renders regular physical activity more difficult to perform. As a result, the arterial vascular system undergoes detrimental adaptations, leading to reduced lower limb blood flow (BF) and skin temperature (ST). Ultimately, individuals with SCI have reduced skin integrity and potential for wound healing. Body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) allows individuals with impaired independent walking ability to undergo upright treadmill ambulation. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of a single session of BWSTT on lower limb superficial femoral artery BF and ST in individuals with chronic SCI. METHODS: Individuals with chronic SCI (> 1 yr post-injury; ASIA A-C) performed one session of BWSTT (14–40 min) on two separate occasions: 1. Left and right thigh and shank ST were measured using a Thermal Imaging Processor before and immediately following BWSTT in one female and five males (35.8±15.4 yrs). 2. Left and right thigh and shank ST and superficial femoral artery BF were measured in two females and three males (40.0± 12.1 yrs) before and immediately following both passive range-of-motion (PROM) and BWSTT; PROM and BWSTT were separated by a 10-min rest interval. ST and BF were measured using an Infrared Thermographic Scanner and Doppler ultrasound, respectively. RESULTS: Following a single session of BWSTT, there was a significant increase in thigh ST (pre: 27.21±0.47°C; post: 28.19±0.46°C, p<.05) and a strong trend toward increased shank temperature (pre: 27.25±0.44°C; post: 27.87±0.24°C; p=.05), with ST measured using a Thermal Imaging Processor. When using a hand-held Infrared Thermographic Scanner, we were unable to detect changes in ST in 5 participants following either BWSTT or PROM. There was no effect of BWSTT or PROM on BF. CONCLUSION: This preliminary evidence suggests that a single session of BWSTT may be effective in increasing cutaneous ST. These results are encouraging because an increase in lower limb ST may indicate a decreased risk for pressure sores. However, our results do not confirm that an increase in ST following BWSTT is related to increased superficial femoral artery BF. Additional research is necessary to clarify our results and to determine the effects of multiple successive bouts of BWSTT. Supported by NSERC.

馬尾神経性間欠は行の臨床的検討

Subjective symptom, neurological signs and skin temperature of lower limbs were examined in 20 patients with intermittent claudication of cauda equina before and after excercise test.In 15 patients (75%), increased neurological signs were observed. Straight leg raising was restricted in 5 patients, sensory deficit were increased in 12 patients and 9 patients became worser in weakness of lower limbs. These alternations tended to be provoked in agreement with lesions, so excercise test appeared to assist in level diagnosis.Many patients had cold area in the affected limb and it was suggested that the increase of cold area caused by walking correlates that of sensory deficit.

Effects of leg activity and ambient barometric pressure on foot swelling and lower-limb skin temperature during 8 h of sitting.

Prolonged immobilization in an upright position often leads to discomfort and oedema in the feet of otherwise healthy subjects. To determine the significance of leg activity and ambient pressure on oedema formation, skin temperature (Tsk) and discomfort, 6 volunteers sat for 8 h with one leg immobilized and the other spontaneously active; one day at "sea level" (750 mmHg) and one day at reduced barometric pressure (540 mmHg). Foot swelling was measured by water plethysmography. Leg movements were continuously monitored by a Vitalog computer, and foot discomfort was estimated by analog-visual scales. The 8 hour swelling averaged 5.7% in the inactive foot, and 2.7% in the active foot (p less than 0.001). Tsk of the inactive foot levelled off towards ambient temperature (21 degrees C) within 4 h. For the active foot this fall was reduced by 2-3 degrees C (p less than 0.025). The increase in foot discomfort during the day was lowest in the active foot (p less than 0.005). High foot Tsk was associated with a high foot swelling rate. Reduced ambient barometric pressure had no effects on foot swelling or Tsk. It is concluded that modest leg activity during 8 h of sitting has several effects on the circulation in the feet: some effects promote and some prevent oedema formation. However, the net result is a reduction in foot swelling.

鍼刺激の下肢深部温および皮膚温に及ぼす影響 (第一報)

鍼刺激の下肢深部温および皮膚温に及ぼす影響 (第一報)