Consistency of cutaneous thermal scanning measures using prone and standing protocols: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this pilot study was to measure paraspinal cutaneous temperature (PCT) in the prone vs standing position.


METHODS
Ten symptom-free participants were evaluated. Paraspinal cutaneous temperature was recorded. Subjects were acclimated to the treatment room in a prone position for 8 minutes before the PCT was measured. After the prone PCT reading, patients stood. A standing PCT measurement was then taken.


RESULTS
Paraspinal cutaneous temperature was marginally warmer when subjects were standing vs prone (PCT difference, 0.25 degrees C +/- 0.64 degrees C and 0.62 degrees C +/- 0.67 degrees C for left and right sides, respectively). The right and left side differential was the same in the prone and standing positions. There was a positive Pearson correlation (0.802-0.803; P < .000) between the standing and prone positions for both left and right sides.


CONCLUSIONS
There are no differences between the prone or standing PCT measures if symptom-free subjects are given 8 minutes to acclimate before recording PCT measures.
Roy
Richard A
RA
Département de Kinanthropologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Private Practice, LaSalle, Québec, Canada.
Boucher
Jean P
JP
Comtois
Alain S
AS
D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature; D002684:Chiropractic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011187:Posture; D016684:Prone Position; D012867:Skin; D013131:Spine / Q000502:physiology; D013814:Thermal Conductivity; D013817:Thermography / Q000379:methods*