# Kinetics of skin temperature in lower limbs of professional soccer athletes

## TL;DR

This study found that skin temperature in the lower limbs of professional soccer players rises after matches and correlates with muscle damage markers, suggesting it could help monitor recovery.

## Contribution

The study introduces skin temperature as a potential complementary tool to creatine kinase for monitoring recovery in elite soccer athletes.

## Key findings

- Skin temperature was significantly higher 24 hours after a match compared to pre-game levels.
- Skin temperature showed a positive correlation with creatine kinase levels in all measured regions.
- Skin temperature did not return to baseline 48 hours after a match, similar to creatine kinase patterns.

## Abstract

This study investigated the kinetics of skin temperature (Tsk) in the lower limbs of elite soccer players following official matches, with measurements taken at three time points: pre-game (M1), 24 hours after a match (M2), and 48 hours after a match (M3). Additionally, we explored the correlation between Tsk and individualized creatine kinase (CK) levels. Thirty male athletes from a top-tier professional soccer club were assessed during the Brazilian Serie A Championship. CK levels and Tsk in the lower limbs were recorded at M1, M2, and M3. Tsk was significantly elevated at M2 compared to M1 (P < 0.001) and decreased at M3, although it did not return to baseline levels (P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between Tsk in all regions of interest (ROIs) and the percentage of CK, with the lowest correlation observed at r = 0.52 (P < 0.001). Tsk in the lower limbs showed a pattern similar to CK, being elevated at 24 h after the match and decreasing by 48 h but not fully returning to pre-game levels. These findings suggest that Tsk can complement CK measurements and be useful in training control and recovery strategies for elite soccer athletes.