Exploring the Use of Thermography for Monitoring Physiological Responses to Training in Division-I Collegiate Female Soccer Players

Abstract

This study investigated the use of thermography as a non-invasive tool to monitor physiological responses to mechanical workload in Division-I female soccer players. A total of 29 student-athletes (age: 19.8 ± 1.1 years) participated, with thermographic imaging conducted throughout training across the competitive season. A total of 8106 observations were analyzed, revealing a weak but significant negative correlation between total player load (TPL) and changes in body region temperature (∆t) (βTPL = −0.00047; p < 0.0001). For every one unit increase in TPL, skin temperature decreased by 0.00047°C on average. Similar patterns were observed in high-minute players (βTPL = −0.0046; p < 0.0001) and when excluding goalkeepers (βTPL = −0.00027, p < 0.001). Interestingly, cooler temperatures were linked to higher workloads in field players, contrasting with previous research. These findings suggest thermography may reflect physiological responses to external workload, with position-specific demands requiring tailored metrics for accurate monitoring.