Detection by Infrared Thermography of the Effect of Local Cryotherapy Exposure on Thermal Spreadin Skin

The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of the exposure duration of local cryotherapy on the skin temperature of the thigh and of the knee. Ten subjects performed a low-intensity exercise, rested for 20 min without ice, and then rested for 5 min and 10 min with ice under the right knee. The skin temperatures were measured by infrared thermography to assess the thermal spread. The results of the statistical analysis reveal an increase of skin temperature of the knee after an exposure of 5 min to the cryotherapy (p < 0.05). There are also differences inthermal regulation between the 10-min exposure and the absence of ice pack. The exposure time variation of local cryotherapy gives different physiological responses which vary in intensity and in location.