ABSTRACT This study aimed to establish the skin temperature thermal profile of upper- and lower-body for high-performance volleyball players and evaluate the thermal symmetry of contralateral body regions. Thermograms were obtained from 14 male volleyball players (age: 19.4± 2.6 years, body mass: 82.4± 13.6 kg, height: 190.3± 10.4 cm, body fat: 11.9%), members of an elite Brazilian team. Average and maximum skin temperatures were measured in the forearms, arms, shoulders, thighs, legs, and trunk region. The independent T-test was used to compare the temperature between bilateral body regions. We observed thermal similarity between the right and left sides in all analyzed body regions (p> 0.05). In all body regions, mean bilateral thermal differences were considered clinically acceptable (≤ 0.49°C), with effect sizes ranging between insignificant and small. In conclusion, high-performance volleyball players show contralateral thermal symmetry in their upper and lower limbs, suggesting a normal thermographic assessment indicative of injuries. The trunk’s skin temperature values are higher when compared to lower and upper limbs.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi estabelecer o perfil térmico de membros superiores, inferiores e tronco de jogadores de voleibol de alto rendimento, além de avaliar o nível de simetria térmica de regiões corporais bilaterais. Foram obtidos termogramas de 14 jogadores de voleibol de alto rendimento, do sexo masculino, vinculados a uma equipe brasileira de elite (idade: 19,4± 2,6 anos, massa corporal: 82,4± 13,6 kg, estatura: 190,3± 10,4 cm, gordura corporal: 11,9%). A temperatura da pele média e máxima foi mensurada nos antebraços, braços, ombros, coxas, pernas e na região do tronco. O teste T independente foi usado para comparar a temperatura de regiões bilaterais. Foi encontrada similaridade térmica entre os lados direito e esquerdo em todas regiões corporais bilaterais analisadas (p> 0.05). As diferenças térmicas bilaterais médias foram consideradas clinicamente aceitáveis em todas regiões corporais (≤ 0.49°C), com tamanhos de efeito variando entre insignificante e pequeno. Em conclusão, jogadores de voleibol de alto rendimento apresentam simetria térmica bilateral nos membros superiores e inferiores, sugerindo uma avaliação termográfica normal indicativa de ausência de lesão. Valores de temperatura da pele do tronco são mais elevados que nos membros superiores e inferiores.

ABSTRACT This research analysed the acute effects of flexibility training with two different intensities on inflammation. Twenty-eight young military personnel males were randomised into two groups of 14 individuals each: Submaximal Stretching Group (SG) and Maximal Stretching Group (MG). The training routines were applied for each group and involved shoulder horizontal flexion, shoulder horizontal extension, hip flexion and hip extension. Basal blood samples were collected immediately after exercise and 24 h later in order to assess the inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, IL-10). Repeated measures ANOVA (2x3) for intragroup and intergroup comparisons with the adjusted Bonferroni post-hoc test was used. There was significant intergroup interaction (p< 0.05) with post-exercise CRP levels, which were significantly higher in the MG when compared to the SG (p= 0.035; Δ= 94%). There were no significant differences in IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations at any intergroup moment. The intragroup comparison showed a significant rise in IL-6 immediately after and 24 h after maximal stretching, with a significant difference (p< 0.05) 24 h after when compared to baseline (p= 0.008; Δ= 44.16%). These results suggest that maximal stretching promoted a higher acute inflammatory response when compared to submaximal stretching due to the greater intensity of the exercises.

Abstract We analysed the effect of different volumes of a soccer simulation protocol (SSP) on skin temperature (Tsk), muscle damage, and inflammation to investigate whether thermography can detect residual fatigue. We conducted this single-case study with a 17-year-old soccer player in a military boarding school. The participant performed an SSP twice with different duration (45 min and 90 min). At 24 h pre, 24 h post, and 48 h post each condition, thermograms were taken to measure Tsk overlying quadriceps, hip adductors, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius. Also, blood samples were obtained to quantify both creatine kinase (CK) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) concentrations. Following the 90-min SSP, Tsk increased during the recovery period in all analysed regions; CK peaked after 24 h (336 U·L−1) with values 273.3% higher than baseline (90 U·L−1), remaining elevated 48 h post-match (185.6%) (257 U·L−1); CRP increased 182.5% after 24 h (1.13 mg·L−1) when compared to baseline (0.40 mg·L−1) and peaked at 48 h post (432.5%) (2.13 mg·L−1). However, following the 45-min SSP, there was no increase in Tsk, CRP, and the CK values did not indicate muscle damage. Thermography is capable of detecting soccer-induced residual fatigue in a young military player. Monitoring Tsk changes via thermography can be a promising non-invasive approach to monitoring muscle recovery status.

Resumo A termografia infravermelha (TI) tem sido uma técnica empregada para avaliar a temperatura da pele (TP), especialmente durante a pandemia do COVID-19. Contudo, existem indicações que o tecido adiposo subcutâneo pode agir como uma camada isolante, alterando o comportamento da TP, o que pode dificultar a interpretação da normalidade térmica. Tendo em vista que o índice de massa corporal (IMC) é considerado um importante preditor de obesidade, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se a TP sofre interferência de diferentes classificações de IMC em adolescentes. Foram selecionados 4 participantes de maneira intencional, todos com 16 anos, cada um foi classificado em uma diferente faixa de IMC para população de adolescentes segundo a classificação proposta pela Organização Mundial de Saúde para essa idade: baixo peso, peso normal, sobrepeso e obesidade. Foram feitos quatro termogramas, avaliados no software ThermoHuman®, que avalia 82 regiões corporais de interesse (RCI), que foram integradas em 6 regiões corporais. Utilizando os indivíduos com peso normal como referência, foi encontrada uma redução progressiva na TP comparada aos participantes com sobrepeso e obesidade, com ênfase para a região anterior de tronco (3.04% e 6.69% menores, respectivamente), e um aumento na TP de todas as regiões corporais comparadas ao sujeito com baixo peso. Isso indica que o IMC pode influenciar nos valores da TP em adolescentes e deve ser levado em consideração para uma avaliação correta da normalidade térmica.

Abstract Infrared thermography (IRT) has been used to assess skin temperature (Tsk), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as an important tool in medical screening not only of the general population, but also of young athletes. However, the subcutaneous adipose tissue can act as an insulator when the Tsk is assessed by IRT, modifying the normal Tsk data and leading to their misinterpretation. Considering that the body mass index (BMI) is an important predictor of obesity, the objective of this study was to verify if the Tsk measured by IRT is affected by the BMI in adolescents. A preliminary study was carried out being four participants intentionally selected, all 16 years old, each one classified in a different BMI range according to the criteria of the World Health Organization for the adolescent population: underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obesity. Four thermograms of each participant were recorded and the ThermoHuman® software was used to evaluate 82 regions of interest (ROI), which were integrated into 6 body regions. Using healthy weight subjects as a reference, it was found a progressive reduction in Tsk in all ROI compared to overweight and obese participants, with emphasis on the anterior region of the trunk (3.04% and 6.69% less respectively), and an increase in the Tsk of all body regions for the underweight subject. There are indications that BMI can influence the Tsk value in adolescents and should be taken into account when analyzing thermograms for a correct evaluation of thermal normality.

Resumo Objetivou-se investigar os efeitos de 12 semanas de treinamento da flexibilidade com diferentes intensidades na amplitude de movimento (ADM), para a flexão e extensão horizontal de ombro (FHO e EHO) e flexão da coluna lombar (FCL), em militares. Foram avaliados 90 alunos (17,02 ± 1,24 anos) e divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos, com 30 participantes cada: alongamento (GA), facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva (GFNP) e controle (GC). A amplitude articular foi verificada mediante a goniometria através do Protocolo LABIFIE e, para tal, utilizou o goniômetro de aço 360º “Lafayette Goniometer Set” – EUA, como instrumento de mensuração. Utilizou-se a Escala de Esforço Percebido na Flexibilidade – PERFLEX (0 – 110) para controlar a intensidade durante o GA (31- 60) por um período de 5 segundos, e GFNP (61 e 80) por 8 segundos de insistência para cada fase. Foram realizadas 3 séries com intervalo de cinco segundos entre as mesmas. A análise comparativa dos níveis de amplitude articular definida pela Análise de Variância (Anova one way) em combinação ao teste Post Hoc de Turkey, apontou diferenças apenas no GFNP: FHO (∆%=4,6; p=0,001); EHO (%∆=8,6; p=0,002); FCL, (∆%=56,1; p=0,001). Concluiu-se que o treinamento através da FNP alcançou maiores índices de desenvolvimento da ADM, quando comparado ao alongamento.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week flexibility training at different intensities on range of motion (ROM), horizontal shoulder flexion and extension (HSF and HSE) and lumber spine flexion (LSF) in military personnel. The sample consisted of 90 students (17.02 ± 1.24 years) randomly allocated into three groups of 30 participants each: stretching (SG) proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNFG) and control (CG). Joint range was measured by goniometry using the LABIFIE protocol and the Lafayette Goniometer Set (360º)– USA as measuring instrument. The scale of perceived exertion in flexibility – PERFLEX (0 – 110) was applied to control intensity in the SG (31- 60) for 5 seconds and the PNFG (61 and 80) for 8 seconds for each phase. Three series, five seconds apart, were conducted. Comparative analysis of joint range levels determined by analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc test revealed differences only in PNFG: HSF (∆%=4.6; p=0.001); HSE (%∆=8.6; p=0.002); LSF (∆%=56.1; p=0.001). It was concluded that PNF training achieved higher ROM when compared to stretching.

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