Validity of Thermometry Questioned
A study published in the current issue of the journal Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise questions the reliability of thermometry as a tool to measure core body temperature. The research team noted that the technique may be most problematic in cases of heat stress.
Thermometry measurement for temperature assessment utilizes temporal scanning. That technique bases temperature estimates from infrared scanning that detects the temperature of skin on the forehead.
The study completed compared temperature readings from temporal scanning thermoplasty and an ingestible pill that tracks the temperature of the intestine. Subjects were exposed to gradual heat stress, increasing internal temperature.
At baseline, the two temperature measures were the same. However, at both 30 and 50 minutes of heat exposure, temperature readings from thermometry were both faslely low, below the levels before heating commenced.
The research team notes the potential limitations of thermometry when the temperature of the body is changing. This finding is particularly relevant during the warmer summer months.
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July 6, 2007 Related topics: Standards