The use of thermal infrared imaging to assess the efficacy of a therapeutic exercise program in individuals with diabetes

Exercise is of great value for individuals with diabetes in helping to control their hemoglobin A1c levels and in increasing their insulin sensitivity. Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common problem in healthy individuals and in people who have diabetes. People with diabetes are also faced with metabolic and endothelial impairments, which could make DOMS even worse. But because they usually have neuropathies, they may not feel this soreness appropriately, leading to premature return to exercise and causing further injuries. One hundred eighteen subjects participated in this study and were divided into four groups. Two groups (healthy and diabetes) performed a series of abdominal exercises, and the other two groups (healthy and diabetes) performed a series of arm exercises to induce DOMS. Skin temperature above the muscle was assessed using a thermal infrared camera, and perceived soreness of the exercised muscle was assessed using a 100-mm visual analog scale. Serum myoglobin concentrations were also measured. There was a significant increase in skin temperature 24 h post-exercise for all four exercise groups (P