Infrared thermography as an effective tool to detect damaged muscle areas after running a marathon

Introduction: Infrared thermography (IT) is an imaging technique that detects heat radiation emitted by an object and collects it to convert it into temperature values. In sports, it is used to identify damage to musculoskeletal structures based on the variation of body temperature in affected anatomical areas. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of IT as a tool to detect damaged muscles after running a marathon. Materials and methods: 17 runners were assessed before and after running a marathon (42.196 km) using thermographic equipment. Results: Statistically significant temperature differences were found before and after running a marathon. There was a difference between previous and posterior measurement >1°C in the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris and adductor of the dominant leg, which, based on clinical parameters, indicates damage in these muscles. Increases in temperature were heterogeneous among anatomical areas. Conclusions: IT is an effective tool for detecting damaged muscle areas in runners after participating in a marathon.