RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Infrared thermography study as a complementary method of screening and prevention of muscle injuries: pilot study JF BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine JO BMJ OPEN SP EX MED FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP e000431 DO 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000431 VO 5 IS 1 A1 Côrte, Ana Carolina A1 Pedrinelli, André A1 Marttos, Antonio A1 Souza, Ivan Furlan Grava A1 Grava, Joaquim A1 José Hernandez, Arnaldo YR 2019 UL http://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/5/1/e000431.abstract AB Objective To evaluate thermography application as a complementary method in preventing muscle injury in professional soccer players. MethodsA longitudinal prospective study with 28 professional soccer players that composed a first division of Brazilian’s soccer team between 2015 and 2016. In both seasons (2015 and 2016), muscle injuries were documented and classified in grade of severity, by ultrasound. During the following season (2016), infrared medical thermography was applied twice a week (48 hours after game) and if a difference of temperature was detected higher than 0.4°C, a prevention protocol was initiated. Muscle injuries in 2016 were documented.Results In 2015, the total number of muscle injuries was 11. In 2016, the total number of muscle injuries was 4 (p=0.04). It represents an incidence/player of 78% in 2015 and 28% in 2016, corresponding to a decrease of 64% in 2016. Seven players played in the first team in both seasons. Among these seven players, muscle injuries were reduced from 8 (in 2015) to 3 (in 2016)—a decrease of 63% in the season we used thermographic monitoring (p=0.06).Conclusion The pilot data provide a promising catalyst for a rigorous RCT that could examine whether thermography can contribute to a muscle injury prevention programme.