Skin temperature changes after exercise and cold water immersion

Influence of cosmetic foundation cream on skin condition during treadmill exercise

BACKGROUND

There is a growing trend of individuals wearing cosmetics while participating in physical activities. Nonetheless, there remains a need for further understanding regarding the effects of makeup on the facial epidermis during exercise, given the existing knowledge gaps.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a cosmetic foundation cream on skin conditions during physical activity.

METHODS

Forty-three healthy college students, 20 males (26.3 ± 1.5 years) and 23 females (23.1 ± 1.0 years), were enrolled in this study. Foundation cream was applied to participants on half of the face in two different areas (MT: makeup T zone and MU: makeup U zone). The other half of the face served as internal control (T: non-makeup T zone and U: non-makeup U zones). Skin levels of moisture, elasticity, pore, sebum, and oil were measured using a skin analysis device (Aramhuvis, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea) before and after a 20-min treadmill exercise. Paired t-test and independent t-test were performed for skin condition measurements at pre- and postexercise.

RESULTS

The skin moisture levels in both the T and MT significantly increased after exercise (p < 0.05) (pre-T: 24.5 ± 1.3, post-T: 38.5 ± 3.5 and pre-MT: 18.7 ± 0.7, post-MT: 40.4 ± 4.8). Elasticity also significantly improved in both the T and MT (p < 0.05) (pre-T: 25.6 ± 1.3, post-T: 41.5 ± 3.5 and pre-MT: 20.0 ± 0.9, post-MT: 41.7 ± 3.7). The size of the pores in the T zone observed a significant increase after exercise (p < 0.05) (pre-T: 41.7 ± 2.1, post-T: 47.8 ± 2.4). The sebum levels in the T zone exhibited a reduction following physical activity, whereas there was a notable increase in sebum levels in the makeup zones (p < 0.05) (pre-MT: 2.4 ± 0.7, post-MT:4.2 ± 0.8 and pre MU 1.8 ± 0.34, post MU 4.9 ± 0.9). The oil level was increased in the non-makeup zones (pre-T: 6.1 ± 1.4, post-T: 11.8 ± 2.0 and pre-U: 7.3 ± 1.5, post-U: 11.9 ± 1.9; p < 0.05) and decreased in the makeup zones (pre-MT: 13.3 ± 1.9, post-MT: 7.4 ± 2.3 and pre-MU: 22.1 ± 2.4, post-MU: 3.2 ± 1.0; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that using foundation cream during aerobic exercise can reduce skin oil, causing dryness. Additionally, makeup can clog pores and increase sebum production. Therefore, wearing makeup may not be recommended for people with dry skin conditions based on the results of the current study. This research offers important insights to the public, encouraging them to consider the possible consequences of using makeup while exercising.

Myotendinous Thermoregulation in National Level Sprinters after a Unilateral Fatigue Acute Bout-A Descriptive Study

In the last decade there has been a growing interest in infrared thermography in the field of sports medicine in order to elucidate the mechanisms of thermoregulation. The aim of this study was to describe bilateral variations in skin temperature of the anterior thigh and patellar tendon in healthy athletes and to provide a model of baseline tendon and muscle thermoregulation in healthy sprinters following a unilateral isokinetic fatigue protocol. Fifteen healthy national-level sprinters (eleven men and four women), with at least 3 years of athletic training experience of 10-12 h/week and competing in national-level competitions, underwent unilateral isokinetic force testing and electrostimulation in which their body temperature was measured before, during, and after the protocol using an infrared thermographic camera. ANOVA detected a significant difference in the time × side interaction for patellar temperature changes (p ≤ 0.001) and a significant difference in the time/side interaction for quadriceps temperature changes (p ≤ 0.001). The thermal challenge produces homogeneous changes evident in quadriceps areas, but not homogeneous in tendon areas. These data show that metabolic and blood flow changes may depend on the physical and mechanical properties of each tissue. Future research could be conducted to evaluate the predictive value of neuromuscular fatigue in the patellar tendon and quadriceps after exercise in order to optimize post-exercise recovery strategies.

Thermal response of human body with immersion suit in cold environment

Hypothermia caused by cold water immersion is one of the main causes of death in marine accidents. Immersion suit is a kind of protective clothing when implementing flying tasks over the sea in cold seasons, with the main function to slow down the loss of human heat in water and prolong the survival time. In this study, the thermal properties and wearing types of immersion suit and underwear were analyzed. The subjects with internal- and external-wear immersion suit exposed to the experimental environments for 2 h in five working conditions. The core temperature, weighted average skin temperature, and average body temperature were measured and calculated. Both internal- and external-wear immersion suits could fulfil the cold protection requirements under the experimental conditions. The results of clothing parameter tests and physiological experiments both exhibit that the external-wear immersion suit has better thermal insulation effect. And the tolerance time in low-temperature water was predicted, which is crucial for effective and efficient rescue during shipwreck in adverse thermal scenarios. In future research, a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the thermal insulation performance of immersion suit could be completed in combination with the water ingress of the clothing, the subjects' thermal comfort, and flexibility of the clothing.

Effects of Unilateral Muscle Fatigue on Thermographic Skin Surface Temperature of Back and Abdominal Muscles—A Pilot Study

The present study aimed to assess the effects of asymmetric muscle fatigue on the skin surface temperature of abdominal and back muscles. The study was based on a pre-post/follow-up design with one group and included a total of 41 subjects (22 male, 19 female; age, 22.63 ± 3.91; weight, 71.89 ± 12.97 kg; height, 173.36 ± 9.95). All the participants were asked to perform side bends in sets of 20 repetitions on a Roman chair until complete exhaustion. The pre-, post- and follow-up test (24 h after) skin surface temperatures were recorded with infrared thermography. Subjective muscle soreness and muscle fatigue were analyzed using two questionnaires. The results of the post hoc tests showed that skin temperature was statistically significantly lower in the post-tests than in the pre- and follow-up tests, but no meaningful differences existed between the pre- and follow-up tests. Asymmetric side differences were found in the post-test for the upper and lower areas of the back. Differences were also noted for the front in both the upper and lower areas. No thermographic side asymmetries were found at the pre- or follow-up measurement for either the back or the front. Our results support the potential of using thermographic skin surface temperature to monitor exercise and recovery in athletes, as well as its use in rehabilitational exercise selection.

A Preliminary Investigation into Ridden Water Submersion Training as an Adjunct to Current Condition Training Protocols in Performance Horses

Simple Summary

Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT) injuries are the most common musculoskeletal injury reported in equestrian jumping disciplines. In an attempt to reduce incidences of injuries in elite event horses, Ridden Water Submersion Training (RWST) is a form of condition training that involves submerging the horse up to sternum height in water and trotting for set intervals. It is used by a small number of trainers to increase cardiovascular fitness whilst potentially minimising tendon temperature increase, which is typically reported during traditional condition training sessions. The results of this study suggest that RWST acted as a moderate sub-maximal intensity level of exercise in a group of elite international event horses whilst preventing the accompanying increase of distal limb temperature commonly associated with condition training on land. RWST could thus be a useful adjunct to current condition training protocols, particularly for horses that compete in disciplines that have high incidence rates of tendon injury. However, further research is required to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the workload imposed during RWST training.

Abstract

This observational study aimed to elucidate the effects of RWST on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems of horses and concurrently determine whether RWST limits distal limb temperature increases previously reported during gallop training on land. A group of 15 clinically sound international event horses were recruited, and heart rate (HR), speed (km/h) and thermal images of the distal limb were analysed at set intervals during RWST training. Intervals of RWST produced a total mean HR_max value of 65.18 ± 3.76%, which is within the parameters for increased aerobic stamina. Mean HR increased significantly (p < 0.01) while mean distal limb temperature decreased significantly (p < 0.01) between warm-up and RWST, which contrasts with positive correlations previously reported during gallop training on land. These preliminary results suggest that RWST can be classed as a moderate submaximal intensity exercise in elite international event horses whilst restricting an increase in temperature of the distal limb that is commonly associated with tendon rupture. Horses competing at very elite levels of eventing only represent a small percentage of the total performance population; therefore, further research is needed to ascertain the physiological effects of RWST in non-elite performance horses, as well as horses competing across various equestrian disciplines.

Regions of interest selection and thermal imaging data analysis in sports and exercise science: a narrative review

OBJECTIVE

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive, contactless and low-cost technology that allows recording of the radiating energy that is released from a body, providing an estimate of its superficial temperature. Thanks to the improvement of infrared thermal detectors, this technique is widely used in the biomedical field to monitor the skin temperature for different purposes (e.g. assessing circulatory diseases, psychophysiological state, affective computing). Particularly, in sports and exercise science, thermography is extensively used to assess sports performance, to investigate superficial vascular changes induced by physical exercise, and to monitor injuries. However, the methods of analysis employed to treat IRT data are not standardized, and hence introduce variability in the results.

APPROACH

This review focuses on the methods of analysis currently used for thermal imaging in sports and exercise science.

MAIN RESULTS

Firstly, the procedures employed for the selection of regions of interest (ROIs) from anatomical body districts are reviewed, paying attention also to the potentialities of morphing algorithms to increase the reproducibility of thermal results. Secondly, the statistical approaches utilized to characterize the temperature frequency and spatial distributions within ROIs are investigated, showing their strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, the importance of employing tracking methods to analyze the temporal thermal oscillations within ROIs is discussed. Thirdly, the capability of employing procedures of investigation based on machine learning frameworks on thermal imaging in sports science is examined.

SIGNIFICANCE

Finally, some proposals to improve the standardization and the reproducibility of IRT data analysis are provided, in order to facilitate the development of a common database of thermal images and to improve the effectiveness of IRT in sports science.

Lactate Concentration Is Related to Skin Temperature Variation After a Specific Incremental Judo Test

ABSTRACT

Gomes Moreira, D, José Brito, C, de Almeida Ferreira, JJ, Bouzas Marins, JC, López Díaz de Durana, A, Couceiro Canalejo, J, Butragueño Revenga, J, and Sillero-Quintana, M. Lactate concentration is related to skin temperature variation after a specific incremental judo test. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2213-2221, 2021-This study aimed to analyze the skin temperature (tsk) response in judokas after a specific incremental test and to determine whether anthropometric and physiological measures can be explained by the variation in mean tsk. A total of 23 male judo athletes (age: 20.1 ± 4.7 years; height: 173.1 ± 8.1 cm; and body mass: 71.7 ± 8.1 kg) performed a specific incremental judo test. Skin temperature evaluations were collected in 26 regions of interest (ROIs), and the mean tsk was calculated using an equation including 10 of them. The time points before the test (pre-test), immediately after (0 minutes), and after 5, 10, and 15 minutes of the test were established to measure the tsk, mean tsk, auricular temperature (tau), and blood lactate (LAC). The athletes completed a mean of 7.0 ± 1.0 stages of the test, 95% confidence interval (CI; 6.2-7.1). The V̇o2peak achieved was 48.7 ± 5.3 ml·kg-1·min-1, 95% CI (46.4-51.0). Compared with pre-test values, only the forehead significantly decreased 5 minutes after the test (p < 0.05). The posterior right arm and posterior left arm remained increased 10 minutes after the test (p < 0.05). After 15 minutes, 19 of the 26 ROIs analyzed were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Among all tested models of linear regression, only 2 were significant, the difference of tsk 5 minutes compared with pre-test (F1, 21 = 16.49, p = 0.001) and the difference of tsk 10 minutes compared with pre-test, to predict LAC concentration at the end of the test (F1, 21 = 9.30, p = 0.006). We concluded that 5 minutes after the test, the judokas present a higher tau and a higher tsk in 7 ROIs, and the tsk decreases 15 minutes after the test in 19 of the considered ROIs. The variation of mean tsk 5 and 10 minutes after the test compared with pre-test values is associated with blood LAC at the end of the test.

Comparison of the Immediate Effect of Petrissage Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage Following Exercise on Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rectus Femoris Muscle in Women

CONTEXT

Fast and adequate recovery after exercise and activity is important for increasing performance and preventing injuries. Inadequate recovery usually causes changes in the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the muscle.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the immediate effect of petrissage massage (PM) and manual lymph drainage (MLD) following submaximal exercise on the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the rectus femoris muscle in healthy women.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, repeated-measures.

SETTING

Marmara University.

PARTICIPANTS

18 healthy female students.

INTERVENTION(S)

Following the submaximal quadriceps strengthening exercise performed in 3 sets of 8 repetitions with intensity of 75% of 1 maximum repetition, participants' right leg received a 5-minute PM (PM group) and the contralateral leg received a 5-minute MLD application (MLD group).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Skin temperature was measured using P45 thermographic thermal camera (Flir System; ThermaCAM, Danderyd, Sweden), and muscle tone, biomechanical, and viscoelastic features were measured with a myometer (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia) at baseline, immediately postexercise, post-PM/MLD application, and 10 minutes postexercise.

RESULTS

In the PM group, the tonus (P = .002) and stiffness (P < .001) values measured after the massage and at the end of the 10-minute resting period were found to be statistically different than those measured right after the exercise (P < .05). Relaxation time and creep values at all measurement times were significantly different (P < .05). In the MLD group, it was observed the tonus (P < .001), stiffness (P = .025), and relaxation time (P < .01) values decreased significantly after the MLD compared with the values measured after the exercise; however, the creep value was found to be significantly different in all measurements (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

PM and MLD reduce passive tissue stiffness and improve the extent of muscle extensibility over time against the muscle tensile strength. PM and MLD are therapeutic methods that can be used to support tissue recovery after exercise and prevent injuries.

THE USE OF THERMOGRAPHY AND ITS CONTROL VARIABLES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT Introduction: Muscle injuries are the most frequent cause of physical disability in sports, representing a large percentage of all sports injuries. In high-performance sports in particular, there is great interest in optimizing the process of diagnosis and rehabilitation of muscle injuries in order to reduce the amount of time taken off by athletes due to their injuries. Infrared thermography, or cutaneous thermometry, is a technique used for complementary investigation of pain. It provides thermal imaging with an infrared camera, to measure the surface temperature of the body. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the use of thermography as a functional evaluation for the identification and prevention of muscle injuries, and of the control variables used in its applicability. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in the MEDLINE, ResearchGate and Scielo databases, using the search terms: “thermography”, “muscle injury”, “rehabilitation” and “diagnosis”, searching on articles published from 2000 to 2017, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The eligibility criteria for the studies was the use of thermography as an outcome, and the reporting of standards for evaluating skin temperature variation in athletes. Results: Following the systematic review, 94 studies were retrieved. Of these, only 12 met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Conclusion: Thermography is a suitable tool for the evaluation and prevention of muscle injuries in athletes, and care should be taken with the control variables during its use. The most efficient variables for capturing the thermographic image appear to be an environment with a temperature of between 18 and 25°C, for 15 minutes for acclimatization, and with the individual placed in a pre-determined position, depending on the body segment being evaluated, without contact with another object. Level of evidence I; Systematic review.

The use of infrared thermal imaging to measure spatial and temporal sweat retention in clothing

In our previous laboratory study a 'destructive' gravimetric method was developed to quantify local garment sweat absorption. While this currently is the only methodology that permits direct and analytical measurements of garment regional sweat absorption, the latter approach is time-consuming and expensive, therefore, of limited applicability. As such, in this study, we wanted to assess whether infrared thermography could be used as an indirect method to estimate garment regional sweat absorption, right after exercise, in a 'non-destructive' fashion. Spatial and temporal sweat absorption data, obtained in our previous study, were correlated with spatial and temporal temperature data obtained in the same experiment with an infrared thermal camera. The data suggest that infrared thermography is a good tool to qualitatively predict regional sweat absorption in garments at separate individual time points; however, temporal changes are not predicted well, due to a moisture content threshold above which variations in sweat content cannot be discriminated by further temperature changes.

Cryotherapy Reinvented: Application of Phase Change Material for Recovery in Elite Soccer

PURPOSE

To examine whether donning lower-body garments fitted with cooled phase change material (PCM) would enhance recovery after a soccer match.

METHODS

In a randomized, crossover design, 11 elite soccer players from the reserve squad of a team in the second-highest league in England wore PCM cooled to 15°C (PCM_cold) or left at ambient temperature (PCM_amb; sham control) for 3 h after a soccer match. To assess recovery, countermovement jump height, maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC), muscle soreness, and the adapted Brief Assessment of Mood Questionnaire (BAM+) were measured before 12, 36, and 60 h after each match. A belief questionnaire was completed preintervention and postintervention to determine the perceived effectiveness of each garment.

RESULTS

Results are comparisons between the 2 conditions at each time point postmatch. MIVC at 36 h postmatch was greater with PCM_cold versus PCM_warm (P = .01; ES = 1.59; 95% CI, 3.9-17.1%). MIVC also tended to be higher at 60 h postmatch (P = .05; ES = 0.85; 95% CI, -0.4% to 11.1%). Muscle soreness was 26.5% lower in PCM_cold versus PCM_warm at 36 h (P = .02; ES = 1.7; 95% CI, -50.4 to -16.1 mm) and 24.3% lower at 60 h (P = .04; ES = 1.1; 95% CI, -26.9 to -0.874 mm). There were no between-conditions differences in postmatch countermovement jump height or BAM+ (P > .05). The belief questionnaire revealed that players felt the PCM_cold was more effective than the PCM_amb after the intervention (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

PCM cooling garments provide a practical means of delivering prolonged postexercise cooling and thereby accelerate recovery in elite soccer players.