The effect of distance and angle of a smartphone-compatible infrared thermal imaging camera on skin temperature at the midportion of the Achilles tendon

Oliver, Ben; Munro, AG; Herrington, LC

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: With Achilles tendinopathy being a prevalent condition in both runners and the general population, infrared thermal imaging may be a useful tool for assessment. There is no standardised thermographic methodology when it comes to assessing the Achilles tendon, particularly the effect of distance and angle of an infrared thermal imaging camera on readings of skin temperature (TSK) at the midportion of the Achilles tendon is unknown.

METHOD: A sample of 7 participants recruited from the University Sport Rehabilitation course (4 male, 3 females; age 18.6 ± 1.6 years, height 173.7 ± 6.3cm, weight 73.8 ± 8.1kg) were used. Images were taken from 6 locations at 0.5m or 1m distances, at 0°, 7° or 14° angles, using a FLIR ONE smartphone-compatible infrared thermal imaging camera. Regions of interest (ROI) were selected retrospectively based on anatomical landmarks, using a custom freeform ROI tool.

RESULTS: No significant differences in Achilles tendon TSK were found between distances or angles. Effect sizes were trivial to small.

CONCLUSIONS: The FLIRONE infrared thermal imaging camera can be placed between 0.5m and 1m, perpendicular to the ROI at the centre of the limb or perpendicular to both ROI's at the midline of the body, without any significant variations in TSK.

Citation

Oliver, B., Munro, A., & Herrington, L. (2020). The effect of distance and angle of a smartphone-compatible infrared thermal imaging camera on skin temperature at the midportion of the Achilles tendon. Thermology international, 30(2), 51-57

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Oct 1, 2020
• Journal: Thermology International
• Print ISSN: 1560-604X
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 51-57
• Publisher URL: http://www.uhlen.at/thermology-international/index.php?target=300251.htm
• Related Public URLs: http://www.eurothermology.org/thermologyint.html