title: Evolution of Skin Temperature after the Application of Compressive Forces on Tendon, Muscle and Myofascial Trigger Point.
abstract: Some assessment and diagnosis methods require palpation or the application of certain forces on the skin, which affects the structures beneath, we highlight the importance of defining possible influences on skin temperature as a result of this physical contact. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the ideal time for performing thermographic examination after palpation based on the assessment of skin temperature evolution. Randomized and crossover study carried out with 15 computer-user volunteers of both genders, between 18 and 45 years of age, who were submitted to compressive forces of 0, 1, 2 and 3 kg/cm2 for 30 seconds with a washout period of 48 hours using a portable digital dynamometer. Compressive forces were applied on the following spots on the dominant upper limb: myofascial trigger point in the levator scapulae, biceps brachii muscle and palmaris longus tendon. Volunteers were examined by means of infrared thermography before and after the application of compressive forces (15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes). In most comparisons made over time, a significant decrease was observed 30, 45 and 60 minutes after the application of compressive forces (p < 0.05) on the palmaris longus tendon and biceps brachii muscle. However, no difference was observed when comparing the different compressive forces (p > 0.05). In conclusion, infrared thermography can be used after assessment or diagnosis methods focused on the application of forces on tendons and muscles, provided the procedure is performed 15 minutes after contact with the skin. Regarding to the myofascial trigger point, the thermographic examination can be performed within 60 minutes after the contact with the skin.
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine, and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marina Figueiredo
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Magalhães
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine, and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Almir Vieira
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Dibai-Filho
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine, and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Elaine Caldeira
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: de Oliveira Guirro
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine, and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carlos Eduardo
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Girasol
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine, and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alessandra Kelly
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine, and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fabiana Rodrigues Cancio
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine, and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor Apparatus, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rinaldo Roberto de Jesus
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Guirro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles; D010173:Palpation; D012881:Skin Temperature; D013710:Tendons; D061028:Trigger Points; D055815:Young Adult