Name: The Use of Thermal Infra-Red Imaging to Detect Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (Video) | JoVE Journal
Uploaded: 2012-01-22T14:00:00.000+00:00
Duration: 8 min 51 s
Description: Learn to detect delayed onset muscle soreness using thermal infrared imaging. This method provides objective, quantifiable data on muscle temperature changes after exercise.

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We wish to acknowledge a contract (WS1763368) from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals for support in this work. We would also like to thank the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) for their support.

1. The Exercise
<ol>
 <li>The muscle of interest for this experiment was the elbow flexors (Biceps Brachii).</li>
 <li>Muscle strength was measured for each participant to be able to give each individual an appropriate resistance. This was determined by testing each participant for their resistance maximum (RM).</li>
 <li>For testing the RM, we used a strain gauge device interfaced with a computer through a BioPac (DA-100C) bioelectric amplifier module (BioPac Systems, Goleta, CA) to measure muscle strength. The module was connected to an MP-100 analog to digital converter sampling at a frequency of 1,000 hertz per second, and at a resolution of 24 bits (Fig. 10).</li>
 <li>The strain gauge device was fixed to a bench at a 45° angle. The subjects were instructed to sit behind the device and rest their elbows on the padded area, so that the exertion force is through their wrists. This was the best way to insure that the subject will not recruit any muscle other than the biceps (Fig. 11).</li>
 <li>Strength was determined on 3 occasions with each contraction being 3 seconds in duration with approximately 45 seconds separating the contractions. The average of the 3 measurements was the RM.</li>
 <li>After determining the RM for the biceps muscle of each participant, the intended session of exercise was carried out with 35% of their RM.</li>
 <li>All the subjects underwent the same exercise using appropriate weighted dumbbells to induce the muscle soreness (DOMS). This was carried out by doing 4 sets of 25 repetitions of biceps concentration curls while seated on a chair, and with the elbows supported on their thighs (Fig. 12).</li>
 <li>Each subject was given a 90 second resting period between each set. Subjects either did the full set of 25 repetitions, or were instructed to stop if they failed to steadily control the weight during the exercise.</li>
</ol>
2. Infra-Red Camera Preparation &amp; Setup
<ol>
 <li>The room where the infra-red imaging takes place was set at a constant temperature to minimize any external bias from differences in room temperature, which could lead to false thermal readings. For the purpose of this experiment we had a temperature controlled room which was maintained at approximately 23°C (+/- 0.5°C).</li>
 <li>The camera was set at a distance of 1 meter away, and at a perpendicular angle to the skin being measured (Fig. 9a)*.</li>
 <li>After the required distance was set up, the subjects were advised to stand still until the image has been taken. This shouldn't take more than a couple of seconds, but it is very critical to minimize movement to insure the accuracy of the taken image.</li>
 <li>It is preferable that the room has darker colored paint, rather than lighter colors, to minimize any infra-red interference.</li>
 <li>Lighting is also critical when dealing with infra-red images, because light source that emit infra-red waves like fluorescent or tungsten lighting could give false high readings. The best lighting option would be a room equipped with uniform LED lights, as LED lights hardly produce any infra-red interference (Fig. 9b)*.</li>
</ol>
* A series of tests were done at our labs using the FLIR 660 IR Camera (Fig. 8), where we compared images of the skin at different angles (0 (perpendicular), 15, 30, 45, and 60 degrees), and at different distances (1, 2, and 5 meters) from the skin, to accurately detect the temperature of the skin. All images were compared to calibrated thermocouples, and the best correlation between the images and the thermocouple readings was at a perpendicular angle and at a distance of 1 meter away from the skin (r = 0.93). The different angles and distances caused a pixilation loss, and decreased the overall correlation between the images and the thermocouple readings.
3. Image Acquirement
<ol>
 <li>For the purpose of this experiment, the image of the exercised muscle was taken before the exercise, and at 24, and 48 hours post exercise.</li>
 <li>Body heat from sources other than the target could disrupt the thermal image and give false readings. For this reason, no one should be standing beside or behind the intended target.</li>
 <li>In this investigation, pictures of both the exercised and non-exercised arm were taken for comparison purposes. We exercised one of the arms, as was mentioned previously, and the other arm was used as a control (Fig. 4 and 5).</li>
 <li>Image numbers from the IR camera were recorded immediately on a separate spreadsheet, as it could be difficult to identify which image belongs to whom.</li>
</ol>
4. Image Processing &amp; Analyses
<ol>
 <li>The acquired IR images were processed using the "ThermoVision ExaminIR" software Version: 1.10.2.</li>
 <li>After selecting the required image for analysis, four regions of interest were identified on the acquired image of the arm using statistical boxes on the software interface (Fig.6).</li>
 <li>When the required regions across the arm have been located, the software shows the Means and Standard Deviations of the temperatures for each of the selected regions. We can then either cross compare each region individually or obtain an average temperature of the whole arm (Fig. 7).</li>
</ol>
5. Visual Analog Scale &amp; Blood Analysis
<ol>
 <li>A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess subjective soreness of the arm. The scale had a 10 cm (100mm) long line marked "no pain" at one end, and "extremely sore" at the opposite end. Each participant was directed to make a mark along the 10 cm line to indicate their response to soreness.</li>
 <li>The VAS's were administered to the subjects before the exercise, 24 hours after the exercise, and at 48 hours.</li>
 <li>Peripheral blood was collected from the subjects to measure myoglobin concentration levels in the blood.</li>
 <li>The blood was drawn from the subjects antecubital vein before the exercise, 30 minutes after the exercise was over, and at 48 hours.</li>
 <li>The blood was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 min to separate the serum from the cells. The samples were then stored at -80°C until the analyses of myoglobin was done.</li>
 <li>Myoglobin was measured using a TOSOH "AIA-360" Automated enzyme Immunoassay Analyzer (TOSOH Corp., Tokyo, Japan). The myoglobin Assay kits (Myo 025297, ST AIA-PACK Myoglobin) were used according to the manufactures instructions.</li>
</ol>
6. Representative Results
The results of IR thermal images taken during this investigation are clearly represented in figure 1. Images taken at the 3 time periods (pre-exercise, 24 hours post-exercise, and 48 hours post-exercise) for the exercised arms of the 41 subjects, showed a noticeable increase in temperature on day 2 (24 hours post-exercise) when compared to pre-exercise temperatures, and temperatures taken at 48 hours. As shown in figure 1, the average skin temperature was 32.80 +/- 1.03 °C for day 1 (pre-exercise), and 33.96 +/- 1.46 °C for day 2 (24 hours post-exercise), and 32.82 +/- 1.29 for day 3 (48 hours post-exercise). This difference in skin temperature from day 1 to day 2 was significant (ANOVA p &lt; 0.01).
However, for the un-exercised arm, changes amongst the 3 time periods were not evident. Figure 1 shows that the average skin temperature was 33.08 +/- 0.83 °C for day 1 (pre-exercise), and 32.79 +/- 1.42 °C for day 2 (24 hours post-exercise), and 33.17 +/- 0.95 for day 3 (48 hours post-exercise). This difference in skin temperature over the 3 days was not significant (ANOVA p = 0.38).
The results of the pain readings from the VAS are shown in figure 2. As seen in figure 2, the reported pain had a dramatic increase on days 2 and 3. Pain levels of the exercised muscle increased from 3.6 +/- 6.1 on day 1, to 36.3 +/- 22.8 on day 2, and 37.5 +/- 25.3 on day 3. This increase from day 1 was significant (ANOVA p &lt; 0.01).
The results of the myoglobin concentration levels are shown in figure 3. As seen in this figure, there was hardly any change between the 2 myoglobin concentrations on day 1 (pre, &amp; 30 minutes post exercise). But on day 3, the increase in myoglobin was very large. This increase on day 3 was approximately 147 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood when compared to the first 2 concentrations on day 1. Myoglobin concentrations were 30.12 +/- 7.66 ng/mL at baseline, 31.66 +/- 11.89 ng/mL 30 minutes post exercise, and 178.96 +/- 249.51 ng/mL on day 3. This increase on day 3 was highly significant (ANOVA p &lt; 0.01).
A correlation analysis was done between the skin temperatures obtained from the IR images, and the VAS soreness levels. It was found that there was a considerable correlation between the VAS readings on day 2, and the skin temperature measurement on day 2. This correlation was significant (r = 0.312, p &lt; 0.05). However, there was no evident correlation between the VAS readings and the skin temperatures on day 3. This correlation was insignificant (r = 0.047, p = 0.77).
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig1.jpg" alt="Skin temperature change line chart; pre and post-exercise data comparison; exercised vs non-exercised." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 1"> 
Figure 1. A representative graph of the differences in skin temperature in the exercised arms (Diamonds), and un-exercised arms (Squares) of the 41 subjects over the 3 day time period.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig2.jpg" alt="VAS scores line chart; pre-exercise to 48 hours post; pain assessment trend; research data." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 2"> 
Figure 2. A representative graph of the differences in perceived muscle soreness measured with the VAS over the 3 day time period for all the 41 subjects.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig3.jpg" alt="Myoglobin concentration graph showing increase from pre-exercise to 48 hours post-exercise." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 3"> 
Figure 3. A representative graph of the differences in myoglobin concentrations for all the 41 subjects over the 3 time periods.

<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig4.jpg" alt="Thermal imaging, arm heat distribution, infrared analysis, temperature measurement comparison, diagram." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 4"> 
Figure 4. A) a typical IR image of a subject's exercised arm before the exercise. B) an IR image of the same subjects arm 24 hours after the exercise.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig5.jpg" alt="Thermal imaging comparison, infrared analysis, temperature distribution, heat map, experimental result." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 5"> 
Figure 5. A) a typical IR image of a subject's un-exercised arm before the exercise. B) an IR image of the same subjects arm 24 hours after the exercise.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig6.jpg" alt="Bicep anatomy diagram, muscle regions labeled 1-4, illustrating arm anatomy study." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 6"> 
Figure 6. An illustration of the 4 regions of interest for analyzing the thermal image of the arm.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig7.jpg" alt="Thermal image analysis, temperature distribution, infrared camera, heat mapping, data visualization." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 7"> 
Figure 7. Software interface for the "ThermoVision ExaminIR" showing the 4 boxes of interest on an IR image of an exercised arm. Also shown are the statistical interpretations for each box.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig8.jpg" alt="Thermal imaging camera setup; equipment for heat distribution analysis and infrared data capture." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 8"> 
Figure 8. The IR thermal camera used for this investigation (FLIR 660).
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig9.jpg" alt="Physical therapy clinic layout, examination table, overhead surgical light, equipment setup." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 9"> 
Figure 9. A) The Setup of the IR Camera 1 meter away from the subjects arm. B) The LED lights used in the lab where the images were taken.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig10.jpg" alt="Biomechanics analysis setup; equipment monitors muscle force; data acquisition; lab environment." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 10"> 
Figure 10. A) The BioPac Modules used for measuring the muscle strength. B) The strain gauge device fixed to a 45° angled bench and hooked to the BioPac system.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig11.jpg" alt="Biomechanical testing; arm with sensors; assessing muscle activity; laboratory setup." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 11"> 
Figure 11. A typical subject exerting force on the strain gauge device.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/3551/3551fig12.jpg" alt="Static equilibrium; dumbbell curl method illustration showing arm positioning; exercise biomechanics." data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 12"> 
Figure 12. A subject undergoing the exercise protocol for inducing the muscle soreness.

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No conflicts of interests declared.

The primary purpose of this investigation was to assess the usefulness of thermal IR imaging in detecting and measuring muscle soreness after strenuous exercise, and our results suggest that IR imaging could be a valid technique for detecting DOMS, especially within the first 24 hours of exercising. This is not surprising, as Pennes18 provided a very detailed model of heat flow from muscle to skin in limbs. This model predicts that heat in deeper tissues such as muscles can be dissipated into blood and into th...

<table><tbody><tr><td>Infra-Red Thermal Camera</td><td>FLIR Systems Inc.</td><td>FLIR SC660</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Thermal Infra-Red Analysis Software</td><td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.</td><td>Software Version 1.10.2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bi&amp;#8211;lectric Amplifier Module</td><td>Biopac Systems, Inc.</td><td>DA100C</td><td>The DA100C provides variable gain settings, and adjustable voltage references.</td></tr><tr><td>Analog to Digital Converter Module</td><td>Biopac Systems, Inc.</td><td>MP100</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Automated enzyme Immunoassay Analyzer</td><td>Tosoh Corp.</td><td>AIA -360</td><td>This device was used to analyze the blood samples, and obtain the myoglobin readings.</td></tr></tbody></table>

the use of thermal infra-red imaging to detect delayed onset muscle soreness

The Use of Thermal Infra-Red Imaging to Detect Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), also known as exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD), is commonly experienced in individuals who have been physically inactive for prolonged periods of time, and begin with an unexpected bout of exercise1-4, but can also occur in athletes who exercise beyond their normal limits of training5. The symptoms associated with this painful phenomenon can range from slight muscle tenderness, to severe debilitating pain1,3,5. The intensity of these symptoms and the related discomfort increases within the first 24 hours following the termination of the exercise, and peaks between 24 to 72 hours post exercise1,3. For this reason, DOMS is one of the most common recurrent forms of sports injury that can affect an individual&#x2019;s performance, and become intimidating for many1,4.
For the last 3 decades, the DOMS phenomenon has gained a considerable amount of interest amongst researchers and specialists in exercise physiology, sports, and rehabilitation fields6. There has been a variety of published studies investigating this painful occurrence in regards to its underlying mechanisms, treatment interventions, and preventive strategies1-5,7-12. However, it is evident from the literature that DOMS is not an easy pathology to quantify, as there is a wide amount of variability between the measurement tools and methods used to quantify this condition6. It is obvious that no agreement has been made on one best evaluation measure for DOMS, which makes it difficult to verify whether a specific intervention really helps in decreasing the symptoms associated with this type of soreness or not. Thus, DOMS can be seen as somewhat ambiguous, because many studies depend on measuring soreness using a visual analog scale (VAS)10,13-15, which is a subjective rather than an objective measure. Even though needle biopsies of the muscle, and blood levels of myofibre proteins might be considered a gold standard to some6, large variations in some of these blood proteins have been documented 6,16, in addition to the high risks sometimes associated with invasive techniques. 
Therefore, in the current investigation, we tested a thermal infra-red (IR) imaging technique of the skin above the exercised muscle to detect the associated muscle soreness. Infra-red thermography has been used, and found to be successful in detecting different types of diseases and infections since the 1950&#x2019;s17. But surprisingly, near to nothing has been done on DOMS and changes in skin temperature. The main purpose of this investigation was to examine changes in DOMS using this safe and non-invasive technique.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess whether using an infra-red thermal camera is a valid tool for detecting and quantifying the muscle soreness after exercising.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), also known as exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD), is commonly experienced in individuals who have been physically ...

The overall goal of this procedure is to identify and measure delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS in its initial stages using a thermal infrared camera. The first step is to take baseline images of both arms. Pain measurements are done using a visual analog scale, and blood is drawn to measure serum myoglobin.Next muscle strength is measured in the arm that will be exercised. The appropriate weight needed for the exercise is calculated as a percentage from this muscle strength measurement. Then the subject does four sets of 25 repetitions using the calculated weight.The final step is to take images of both the exercised and non-exercise arms at 24 and 48 hours. After the exercise, blood is collected and the visual analog scale is administered at several time points after the exercise to verify the pain intensity. Ultimately, the acquired IR images are analyzed using the Thermo Vision Examiner software showing a significant increase of the skin temperature above the exercise muscle.The main advantage of this technique is that unlike visual analog scales, which are kind of a subjective measure of whether someone's sore or not, this technique gives you quantifiable absolute data. This method has the additional advantage of being able to detect delayed onset muscle soreness are DOMS in its early stages. This allows more detailed studies of the micro physiology of exercise and muscle soreness, rather than using simple subjective scales demonstrating this technique will will be ha Ley Hani is a PhD candidate earning his doctorate in rehabilitation science here in the School of Allied Health at Loma Linda University.To prepare for infrared imaging set a temperature controlled room to a constant temperature to minimize any external bias from differences in room temperature, which could lead to false thermal readings. A room with darker colored paint is preferred to minimize any infrared interference. It is also critical that the room lighting doesn't emit infrared waves, which can give false high readings.Uniform LED lights are preferred over fluorescent or tungsten lighting as LED lights produce little infrared interference prior to exercise of the elbow flexors set the camera at a distance of one meter away and at a perpendicular angle to the skin being measured. Here, a FLIR six 60 IR camera is used. The intended target should be isolated as body heat from sources other than the target could disrupt the thermal image and give false readings.After the camera is set up, advise the subjects to stand still until the image has been taken. Imaging should take no more than a couple of seconds, but it is very critical to minimize movement to ensure the accuracy of the acquired image acquire an IR image of the arm to be exercised. An image of the non exercised arm should also be obtained for comparison purposes.Record image numbers from the IR camera immediately on a separate spreadsheet to correlate the subject arm time points and the image numbers. A visual analog scale is used to assess subjective soreness of the arm before and after exercise. The scale is characterized by a 10 centimeter long line marked no pain at one end and extremely sore at the opposite end.Direct each participant to make a mark along the 10 centimeter line to indicate their response to soreness before the exercise. Also before exercise, obtain peripheral blood from the subjects to measure myoglobin concentration levels in the blood as described in the written procedure. Centrifuge the blood at 4, 000 RPM for 10 minutes to separate the serum from the cells.Store the samples at minus 80 degrees Celsius until myoglobin analysis is performed prior to beginning the exercise. The resistance maximum or RM should be tested for each participant to do so, use a strain gauge device interfaced with a computer through a BioPack bioelectric amplifier module to measure muscle strength. The module is connected to an MP 100 analog to digital converter, sampling at a frequency of 1000 hertz per second, and at a resolution of 24 bits.The strain gauge device is fixed to a bench at a 45 degree angle. Instruct the subjects to sit behind the device and rest their elbows on the padded area so that the exertion force is through their wrists. This is the best way to ensure that the subject will not recruit any muscle other than the biceps determine strength on three occasions with each contraction being three seconds in duration with approximately 45 seconds separating the contractions.The average of the three measurements is the rm. After determining the RM for the biceps muscle of each participant, the intended session of exercise should be carried out with 35%of their RM by using the appropriate weighted dumbbells to induce muscle soreness. Participants carry out the exercise by doing a set of 25 repetitions of biceps concentration curls while seated on a chair and with the elbows supported on their thighs.Instruct subjects to do the full set of 25 repetitions, but stop them if they fail to steadily control the weight during the exercise. Following the exercise, give each subject a 92nd resting period. Repeat the exercise and resting period three more times for a total of four sets of 25 repetitions.30 minutes following exercise. Collect peripheral blood samples as done before blood collection should also be performed. 48 hours post-exercise at 24 and then 48 hours post-exercise.Take IR images of the exercised muscle and control muscle. Also administer the VAS at these times. Process the acquired IR images using the Thermo Vision Examiner software.After selecting the required image for analysis, identify four regions of interest on the acquired image of the arm using statistical boxes on the software interface. When the required regions across the arm have been located, the software shows the means and standard deviations of the temperatures for each of the selected regions. At this point, each individual region can be cross compared, or an average temperature of the whole arm can be obtained.The results of IR thermal images taken during this investigation are clearly represented here. Images taken at three time periods for the exercised arms of 41 subjects showed a statistically significant increase in average skin temperature at 24 hours post-exercise when compared to pre-exercise temperatures and temperatures taken at 48 hours. However, for the non-exercise arm changes amongst the three time periods were not evident.The difference in average skin temperature over the three days was not significant shown. Here are the results of the pain readings from the VAS. The reported pain of the exercised muscle had a dramatic increase on days two and three.The results of the myoglobin concentration levels indicate that there was little change between the two myoglobin concentrations on day one, taken pre-exercise and 30 minutes post-exercise. But on day three, there was a very large increase in myoglobin of 147 nanograms per milliliter of blood when compared to the first two concentrations on day one. While attempting this procedure, one of the most important steps is to keep the room temperature constant and to use the LED lighting throughout the data collection period.The reason for that is to minimize any bias, any temperature related bias that the camera will pick up.

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Learn to detect delayed onset muscle soreness using thermal infrared imaging. This method provides objective, quantifiable data on muscle temperature changes after exercise.

The Use of Thermal Infra-Red Imaging to Detect Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

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