Abstract
Introduction: Thermal imaging(TI) is a non-invasive technique that visually represents the process in exercise training. Aim was to evaluate skin temperature of trunk in asthmatics during two different breathing. Method: 5 women with asthma were included (FEV1(%):92.0±13.7). Maximal inspiratory pressures were measured and inspiratory muscle training was performed with a pressure device(POWERBreathe) at 50%MIP. They performed 30 thoracic, 30 diaphragmatic breathing on separate days. TI sequences of anterior trunk were recorded by thermal imaging camera (FLIR-Ex series).
Results: Frequencies of the max skin temperature localizations .
Thoracic breathing Most localized trunk area, (%) | Diaphragmatic breathing Most localized trunk area, (%) | |
Pre-training | Sternum, (60%) | Sternum, (40%) |
10th breathing | Sternum, (40%) | Right intercostals muscles, (40%) |
20th breathing | Sternum, (40%) | Right intercostals muscles, (40%) |
30th breathing | Sternum, (40%) | Right intercostals muscles, (40%), Diaphragm, (40%) |
Recovery | Sternum, (40%) Left pectoral muscles (40%) | Sternum, (40%) |
In comparison of max temperatures, significant difference was found between pre-training and 10th diaphragmatic (p=0.04). TI of 10th breathing of a subject during diaphragmatic breathing is shown.
Conclusion: TI can be helpful as indirect assessment of the efficiency in medicine and pulmonary rehabilitation.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015