Infrared functional imaging: analysis of skin temperature during exercise

Thigh skin temperature was studied during bicycle ergometry graded exercise by means of infrared functional imaging (IRFI). Executing graded exercise determined the decreasing skin temperature throughout the exercise period, while it increased during the after-exercise recovery. Skin cooling and warming processes depended on the fitness level of the subjects, as estimated by the maximal oxygen consumption. IRFI permitted skin temperature time evolution of different regions involved in the exercise to be recorded. IRFI may provide indirect complementary information about the hemodynamic recruitment by the muscular masses and the thermal processes associated with the exercise.