Surveying the correlation of temperature measuring by new infrared method and range of motion of joints after joint movement exercises

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the connection between temperature variations and the range of motion (ROM) in the neck and shoulder regions following specific joint movements based on Traditional Medicine practices. To accomplish this, a novel infrared measurement method was employed to enhance the accuracy of assessments. Method: The research was conducted at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Rehabilitation – Occupational Diseases over a period from April to July 2024. A total of 30 healthy participants, aged 18 and older, were recruited for the study, all of whom met established inclusion and exclusion criteria. To measure ROM and the temperature of acupoints in the neck and shoulder areas, an expert with over five years of relevant experience utilized a goniometer for assessing ROM and the advanced infrared method known as ATHERM for temperature measurement. The study specifically aimed to evaluate the changes in these parameters before and after the participants performed a series of joint movement exercises three times. Results: The findings indicated a robust correlation between the observed temperature changes at the acupoints and improvements in ROM, which suggested that these exercises contributed to enhanced blood circulation and muscle function within the neck and shoulder regions.Conclusion: This research underscores the significant relationship between temperature fluctuations at acupoints and improvements in ROM, particularly for the bilateral shoulder joints and cervical spine, following exercises rooted in Traditional Medicine.