Thermal imaging as a non-invasive tool to analyze microcirculation and heat distribution. A cross-sectional observational study.

Authors

  • Kumari Rekha Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, L C M C H, Bishrampur, Palamu, Jharkhand, India
  • Dharmendra Kumar Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, L C M C H, Bishrampur, Palamu, Jharkhand
  • Laxmikanta Say Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Netaji Subhas Medical College & Hospital, Adityapur, Saraikela, Jharkhand
  • Hari Mohan Prasad Sinha Professor, Department of Physiology, Netaji Subhas Medical College & Hospital, Adityapur, Saraikela, Jharkhand
  • Suhash Tetarway Professor, Department of Physiology, L C M C H, Bishrampur, Palamu, Jharkhand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2509

Keywords:

Thermal imaging, Infrared thermography, Microcirculation, Heat distribution, Non-invasive diagnostics

Abstract

Background

Microcirculation plays a vital role in tissue perfusion and thermoregulation. Early alterations in microvascular blood flow often precede structural changes and remain undetected by conventional diagnostic methods.

Aim

To assess the usefulness of infrared thermal imaging as a non-invasive tool for analyzing microcirculation and heat distribution.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional observational study included 100 adult participants evaluated over 11 months at Laxmi Chandravansi Medical College and Hospital, Jharkhand. The majority of participants were aged 31–45 years (38%). Thermal images were captured under standardized conditions. Mean surface temperature, thermal asymmetry, and heat distribution patterns were analyzed using Student’s t-test and Pearson correlation.

Results

The mean surface temperature was significantly higher on the right side (32.4 ± 1.2°C) compared to the left (31.8 ± 1.3°C) (p = 0.004). Thermal asymmetry ≥0.5°C was observed in 42% of participants. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between thermal asymmetry and clinical indicators of microcirculatory dysfunction (r = 0.61, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Infrared thermal imaging is a reliable, non-invasive modality for assessing microcirculation.

Recommendation

It can be used as a screening and monitoring tool in clinical practice, especially in resource-limited settings.

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Published

2026-03-25

How to Cite

Rekha, K. ., Kumar, D. ., Say, L. ., Sinha, H. M. P. ., & Tetarway, S. . (2026). Thermal imaging as a non-invasive tool to analyze microcirculation and heat distribution. A cross-sectional observational study. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 7(3), 9. https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2509

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2026): March 2026 Issue

Section

Section of Anatomy & Physiology

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Kumari Rekha, Dharmendra Kumar, Laxmikanta Say, Hari Mohan Prasad Sinha, Suhash Tetarway

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.