Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of detection of temperature differences among skin sites of lay individuals and manual physical therapists. Methods: Forty-four manual physical therapists and 44 lay individuals were recruited. Subjects palpated two temperature-controlled surfaces that ranged in temperature between 30 and 35 °C and varied randomly by 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 °C for 10 s. The subjects were then asked to identify the warmer pad. Results: Accuracy increased with larger temperature differences. Accuracy of detection of 1 and 3 °C temperature differences was higher in manual physical therapists than lay individuals. Discussion: Palpation can be used to accurately detecting temperature differences between sites and is more accurately performed by an experienced practitioner. Level of Evidence: 3b
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-5 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy |
DOIs | |
State | Accepted/In press - Jan 23 2018 |
Keywords
- manual therapy
- palpation
- physical therapist
- Skin temperature
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation