Use of thermograms to support assessment of somatic dysfunction or effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment: preliminary report
Kelso, A.F.; Grant, R.G.; Johnston, W.L.
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 82(3): 182-188
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-6151 PMID: 6897400 Document Number: 194838
A preliminary evaluation of thermographic measurement of skin temperature of the back indicates the feasibility for its use in research on osteopathic examination and manipulative treatment. Subjects were lightly clothed and acclimated in a climate control chamber (30.degree. C, 50% relative humidity). GE Thermoscan measurements were stored on a computer and analyzed for variations from a uniform skin temperature pattern. The variation in skin temperature for the back in most subjects is 2-3.degree. C. Although there was no uniform pattern of variation from mean skin temperature in 35 subjects, warm and cool areas could be identified. In 1 subject a warm area associated with somatic dysfunction was observed to remain constant for several months. The skin temperature of this area changed following osteopathic manipulative treatment.