The effect of whole-body vibration in the skin temperature of lower extremities in healthy subjects

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Seixas, A (Author) Other; Silva, A (Author) FEUP; Gabriel, J (Author) Other; Vardasca, R (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Thermology International

Vol. 22

Pages: 59-66

ISSN: 1560-604X

Publisher: European Association of Thermology

Indexing

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-AW7

Abstract (EN): Introduction: Vibration exercise has been increasing in popularity although the impact of this exercise modality is still under investigation. Vibration exercise is practiced mostly while standing on vibration platforms, as whole body vibration. Several researchers have studied the effects of exposure to whole body vibration in strength, flexibility, equilibrium and blood flow, but the use of medical thermography in these investigations is still very limited. The aim of this research is to study the impact of acute exposure to whole body vibration in the skin temperature and thermal symmetry of the lower extremities in healthy subjects. Methods: The skin temperature of 24 healthy and untrained subjects, randomly assigned to two groups (vibration and no vibration), was accessed using medical thermography before and after exposure to the intervention protocol. All subjects followed a protocol suggested in previous literature for image capturing. Thermograms were obtained from several lower limb regions of interest in different views before and after exposure to vibration. The mechanical stimulation was provided by the Power PlateR with parameters set at a frequency of 35 Hz, high amplitude (5-6 mm) for 5 minutes. Results: The analyzed regions of interest mean temperature decreased significantly in the control group in the posterior thighs, anterior knees, lower legs and ankles (p ¿ 0.05). Acute exposure to whole-body vibration was responsible for a significant decrease in temperature of the anterior thighs, lateral aspect of knees and medial aspect of the left knee (p ¿ 0.05) and an increase in temperature of the lower legs and ankles (p > 0.05). The highest temperature symmetry difference was observed in the lateral aspect of the ankle (0.29±0.23 °C) followed by the medial aspect of the ankle (0.27±0.22 °C) and the medial aspect of the knee (0.26±0.14 °C) and whole-body vibration increased temperature symmetry difference in all regions of interest. Discussion: The results show that the exposure to 5 minutes of vibration (35 Hz) in a single session has an effect in the skin temperatures of the lower extremities. In the control group, at the regions of interest with significant statistical difference, a mean decrease in temperature of 0.48 °C was found and in the experimental group the mean temperature decrease was of 0.41 °C. In the experimental group, at the regions of interest with mean temperature increases, the mean difference observed was of 0.24 °C. Caution should be taken before vibration exercise prescription since the effects in microcirculation are not fully understood. The results of this investigation are expected to contribute to better understand specific pathologies affecting the lower limbs.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific