Human body skin surface distribution as measured by infrared thermography in altitude hypoxia conditions

Abstract

A group of seven males was tested inside a thermobarochamber. Every subject was examined in the same manner in a simulated altitude of: 2500, 3500, 4500 m o.s.1. (control at 115 m 0.5.1.) After 20 minutes of adaptation the 25 minutes exposition to altitude hypoxia was performed. Thermovisual measurement (AGEMA Thermovision 900 series) was repeated at 5 min. intervals. The results demonstrated that the range and dynamics of temperature distribution were proportional to the intensity of altitude hypoxia and the exposure time. Observed changes depend on the area of body surface.