Thermographic Study of the Possibility of Using Optical Radiation and Point Vibrations for Physiotherapy

Some diseases are characterized by impaired microcirculation in the tissues. To restore or improve it, heat exposure is used. Recent studies confirm that passive vibration improves circulation without the risk of burns. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of local low-frequency mechanical vibration and infrared radiation on the skin bloodstream after a short-term exposure. The primary results of the influence such exposure on the surface temperature of the upper limbs of a healthy person are presented. Mechanical vibration exposure on an area of 4.9$\cdot$ $10^{-6} m^{2}$ with a frequency of 50 Hz, duration of 5 min and an amplitude of 30 microns was carried out. Optical irradiation with a wide spectrum (500 nm - 2 $\mu$ m), the total density of the irradiation dose 228 kJ/m
²
and the irradiation area 0.5$\cdot$ 10$^{-4} m^{2}$ was used. To analyze the temperature fields a thermal imager with an uncooled microbolometric detector was used. Studies are known showing a clear association between changes in surface temperature and changes in microcirculation in the same place. Using infrared thermography revealed significant changes in the temperature (up to 1.75 degree) of the palm when exposed to the outer part of the forearm of the same hand which might be associated with a changing in the level of microcirculation. An increase in temperature was observed in 67% of cases when exposed to vibrations and in 56% of cases when exposed to optical radiation. However, the change in the level of microcirculation due to infrared exposure and due to local vibration might has a different nature.