Consistency of Cutaneous Thermal Scanning Measures Using Prone and Standing Protocols: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this pilot study was to measure paraspinal cutaneous temperature (PCT) in the prone vs standing position. METHODS: Ten symptom-free participants were evaluated. Paraspinal cutaneous temperature was recorded. Subjects were acclimated to the treatment room in a prone position for 8 minutes before the PCT was measured. After the prone PCT reading, patients stood. A standing PCT measurement was then taken. RESULTS: Paraspinal cutaneous temperature was marginally warmer when subjects were standing vs prone (PCT difference, 0.25 degrees C +/- 0.64 degrees C and 0.62 degrees C +/- 0.67 degrees C for left and right sides, respectively). The right and left side differential was the same in the prone and standing positions. There was a positive Pearson correlation (0.802-0.803; P < .000) between the standing and prone positions for both left and right sides. CONCLUSION: There are no differences between the prone or standing PCT measures if symptom-free subjects are given 8 minutes to acclimate before recording PCT measures.