Temperature measurement reliability and validity with thermocouple extension leads or changing lead temperature.
BACKGROUND
Thermocouples' leads are often too short, necessitating the use of an extension lead.


OBJECTIVE
To determine if temperature measures were influenced by extension-lead use or lead temperature changes.


METHODS
Descriptive laboratory study.


METHODS
Laboratory.


METHODS
Experiment 1: 10 IT-21 thermocouples and 5 extension leads. Experiment 2: 5 IT-21 and PT-6 thermocouples.


METHODS
In experiment 1, temperature data were collected on 10 IT-21 thermocouples in a stable water bath with and without extension leads. In experiment 2, temperature data were collected on 5 IT-21 and PT-6 thermocouples in a stable water bath before, during, and after ice-pack application to extension leads.


RESULTS
In experiment 1, extension leads did not influence IT-21 validity (P  =  .45) or reliability (P  =  .10). In experiment 2, postapplication IT-21 temperatures were greater than preapplication and application measures (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Extension leads had no influence on temperature measures. Ice application to leads may increase measurement error.
School of Physical Education, Sport, & Exercise Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA. lsjutte@bsu.edu
Lisa S
LS
Jutte
Blaine C
BC
Long
Kenneth L
KL
Knight
D001831:Body Temperature; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D017679:Cryotherapy; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013821:Thermometers; D035501:Uncertainty