RESUMO
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to map the skin temperature (Tsk) of individuals with SCI and compare able-bodied individuals, and among the groups to demonstrate the effects of differences in the levels of injury (paraplegia and tetraplegia with high and low injuries). SETTING: Outpatient clinic, Brazil. METHODS: Individuals with tetraplegia (n = 20), paraplegia (n = 21), and able-bodied (n = 11) individuals were recruited. A noncontact infrared thermometer (IRT) was used to measure three times the Tsk at the forehead, and at the C2 to S2 dermatomes. Core body temperature was measured at the axilla using the IRT and three other clinical thermometers. RESULTS: Autonomic regulation is impaired by the injury. A Tsk map was constructed for the three groups. Significant differences in the Tsk of dermatomes were observed when comparing individuals with SCI and the able-bodied at the following dermatomes: C3, C7, T2, T3, T8, T9, L1, L2, L4, and S2. When comparing individuals with tetraplegia and able-bodied individuals, the dermatomes that showed significant differences were C5, C6, C8, T1, T10, L3, and S1. Dermatomes C5-C7, and T5 showed significant differences between individuals with tetraplegia and those with paraplegia. For L5 and S1 in paraplegia significant differences were found when comparing high with low injury. CONCLUSION: A Tsk map on dermatomes in individuals with SCI was implemented, and showed a significant difference between able-bodied. As temperature is a parameter for analyzing autonomic function, the study could benefit rehabilitation by providing baseline values when constructing clinical protocols.
Assuntos
Raios Infravermelhos , Temperatura Cutânea/fisiologia , Traumatismos da Medula Espinal/fisiopatologia , Termografia/métodos , Termômetros , Adulto , Vértebras Cervicais/lesões , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , Vértebras Lombares/lesões , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Sacro/lesões , Traumatismos da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico , Termografia/instrumentação , Termômetros/tendências , Vértebras Torácicas/lesõesRESUMO
El termómetro ha sido un instrumento útil en la monitorización de temperatura, que en contexto con otros signos vitales, ayuda a la distinción de salud y enfermedad, siendo una excelente guía en el curso de ella