Use of Body Surface Heat Patterns for Predicting and Evaluating Acute Lower Extremity Pain among Soldiers
Abstract
This project is (a) developing predictive methodologies for relating heat patterns observed in the lower limbs of trainees just inducted into the Army to pain syndromes developed during training, (b) comparing the effectiveness of three methods of recording heat patterns in the lower limbs in field environments, (c) determining the utility of shock absorbing boot inserts for reducing the occurrence of lower limb pain among trainees, and (d) evaluating the usefulness of videothermography for tracking the resolution of lower limb pain problems. Recruits arriving at their basic training sites have an unexpectedly high rate of heat asymmetries in their lower limbs. Most of the trainees developing lower limb pain during basic training had asymmetries at the start of training. Those with the most asymmetrical patterns are most likely to experience pain. Contact thermographs have so many problems visualizing common problem areas that they are not useful in the Army field environment. A suitable grid system has been developed which permits the single point infrared thermometers already in use throughout the Army to be substituted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA251787
Entities
People
- Howard May
- Kent M. Karstetter
- Richard A. Sherman