Dynamic Infrared Thermography Study of Blood Flow Relative to Lower Limp Position

[摘要] Thermography is an established method for studying skin temperature distribution. Temperature distribution on body surface is influenced by a variety of physiological mechanisms and has been proven a reliable indicator of various physiological disorders. Blood flow is an important factor that influences body heat diffusion and skin temperature. In an attempt to validate and further elucidate thermal models characterizing the human skin, dynamic thermography of the lower limp in horizontal and vertical position was performed, using a FLIR T460 thermographic camera. Temporal variation of temperature was recorded on five distinct points of the limp. Specific points were initially cooled by the means of an ice cube and measurements of the skin temperature were obtained every 30 seconds as the skin temperature was locally reduced and afterwards restored at its initial value. The return to thermal balance followed roughly the same pattern for all points of measurement, although the heating rate was faster when the foot was in horizontal position. Thermal balance was achieved faster at the spots that were positioned on a vein passage. Our results confirm the influence of blood flow on the thermal regulation of the skin. Spots located over veins exhibit different thermal behaviour due to thermal convection through blood flow. Changing the position of the foot from vertical to horizontal, effectively affects blood perfusion as in the vertical position blood circulation is opposed by gravity.

[发布机构] Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Egaleo Athens; 12210, Greece^1;Department of Energy Technology Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Egaleo Athens; 12210, Greece^2

[效力级别] 医药卫生 [学科分类] 卫生学

[关键词] Dynamic thermography;Physiological disorders;Physiological mechanisms;Skin temperature distributions;Thermal convections;Thermograms;Thermographic cameras;Vertical positions