Long term effect of Step Aerobics Training on skin temperature. A pilot study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Step Aerobics Training (SAT) on the skin temperature (Tsk) in different regions (ROI) of the anterior body surface. The study included 15 healthy volunteers of the Bialystok University of Technology (BUT) without any previous experience in SAT training. Two sets of thermograms were recorded before and immediately after exercise at the first and last sessions of a 30-weeks SAT program with a progressive intensity. The results indicate a generalized drop in body temperature immediately after exercise with ΔTsk values of -2.45oC registered immediately after the first training and lower drops (ΔTsk = -1.69oC) after the 30 weeks of SAT. The regions with lower values of postvs pre-exercise Tsk were the thighs both in the first session and in the last session of the 30-weeks SAT program. The results show nonsignificant variations for asymmetries between the values of the contralateral ROIs in every moment of the data collection. We concluded that a 30-week SAT program resulted in significant drop of mean Tsk of evaluated body parts (ROI), being the thermal effects related with the areas more activated in the sport practice. From the thermal asymmetries perspective, the training program carried out did not generate any injury risk for the participants.