Mittels Infrarotthermografie können Veränderungen der Oberflächentemperatur der Haut dargestellt werden. Kraftbeanspruchungen führen zur Wärmeproduktion in der belasteten Muskulatur. Diese erzeugte Wärme wird zur Hautoberfläche weitergeleitet und daraus resultierende Veränderungen der Hauttemperatur können durch den Einsatz der Infrarotthermografie visualisiert und quantifiziert werden. Die vorliegende kumulativ angefertigte Arbeit umfasst Beiträge, die wesentliche Einflussfaktoren auf belastungsinduzierte Hauttemperaturveränderungen nach Kraftbeanspruchungen aufzeigen. Dazu wurden in einer Studie der Einfluss des Belastungsfaktors Trainingsintensität und in einer weiteren Untersuchung wesentliche Faktoren der Körperkomposition überprüft. Eine dritte Untersuchung zeigt einen Ansatz für eine effiziente automatische Messmethode zur Bestimmung der Hauttemperaturen mittels Fusion einer Infrarotkamera mit einer Tiefenbildkamera. Die Arbeit leistet somit einen Beitrag für die Anwendung der Infrarotthermografie im leistungsphysiologischen Kontext.

Objective Skin temperatures are known to increase cutaneous sensitivity. However, it is unclear whether the amount of improved sensitivity differs depending on the protocol of heat application. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of active (treadmill walking) and passive (infrared radiator) warming of the foot sole on vibration perception thresholds. Methods Sixty healthy and injury-free subjects voluntarily participated in this study. Vibration perception thresholds (200 Hz) and plantar temperatures were measured at the hallux and 1st metatarsal head. In experiment 1, warming and mechanically stimulating the skin was achieved by walking on a treadmill for 30 min. In a follow-up study (experiment 2), external plantar heat was administered via an infrared radiator (30 min). Results In both experiments, increasing temperatures led to increased plantar sensitivity. However, the amount of improved sensitivity was greater in experiment 1, although plantar temperature increases were lower compared to experiment 2. Conclusions Warming in conjunction with mechanical stimulation seems to have a greater potential to enhance plantar sensitivity compared to external heat supply only. Significance The possible influence of mechanical stimulation and warming towards superior plantar afferent feedback highlights its importance regarding human posture and fall prevention.

Objective Skin temperatures are known to increase cutaneous sensitivity. However, it is unclear whether the amount of improved sensitivity differs depending on the protocol of heat application. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of active (treadmill walking) and passive (infrared radiator) warming of the foot sole on vibration perception thresholds. Methods Sixty healthy and injury-free subjects voluntarily participated in this study. Vibration perception thresholds (200 Hz) and plantar temperatures were measured at the hallux and 1st metatarsal head. In experiment 1, warming and mechanically stimulating the skin was achieved by walking on a treadmill for 30 min. In a follow-up study (experiment 2), external plantar heat was administered via an infrared radiator (30 min). Results In both experiments, increasing temperatures led to increased plantar sensitivity. However, the amount of improved sensitivity was greater in experiment 1, although plantar temperature increases were lower compared to experiment 2. Conclusions Warming in conjunction with mechanical stimulation seems to have a greater potential to enhance plantar sensitivity compared to external heat supply only. Significance The possible influence of mechanical stimulation and warming towards superior plantar afferent feedback highlights its importance regarding human posture and fall prevention.