Application of Infrared Thermography in the Assessment of Muscle Damage in Elite Soccer Athletes

Abstract

The participation in a soccer match may result in a large number of micro-injuries leading to a number of physiological responses which, in turn, increase skin temperature (T sk ) of the lower limbs. The measurement of T sk using infrared thermography (IRT) is being used as a tool to evaluate the internal load of the athlete in order to assist the management of training load and to help in the prevention of muscle injuries.